Sugar Crisis Looming: Supplies May Be Cut

[Wes Turner]

DPM SURIYA IS CONSIDERING INFORMATION OF RESTRUCTURING SUGAR INDUSTRIES' FORMATION, SOLVING SUGAR SHORTAGE

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister SURIYA JUNGRUNGREANGKIT (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) said that he and his officials are studying the information of restructuring sugar industries’ formation, in an attempt to solve sugar shortage and its high price.

Regarding to the shortage of this commodity product, he has assigned Permanent Secretary to the Industry Ministry JAKKRAMON PHASUKWANICH (จักรมณฑ์ ผาสุกวนิช) to consider the details of restructuring sugar industries, including sharing benefits between merchants and sugar farmers and tax of imported sugar. The Permanent Secretary will also discuss the matter with academics and economists, to exchange ideas and gather solutions.

He projected that the result of the discussion will be announced today, and he will bring the issue to the Cabinet meeting for consideration.

Source: ThaiSNews.com ประจำวันศุกร์ที่ 20 มกราคม 2549

Let's be honest, things could be a whole lot worse out here.

[sierra01]

There's nothing worse than tea with no sugar mate

[Jai Dee]

STUDIES ON REVAMPING SUGAR SECTOR WILL BE SUBMITTED TO INDUSTRY MINISTER TODAY

A working group on restructuring of the sugar industry prepares to submit a study to the Industry Minister today.

Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, Jakkamon Pasukwanit (จักรมณฑ์ ผาสุกวนิช), as president of the working group, revealed that the study on the sugar industry will be presented to Industry Minister Suriya Juengroongruengkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) today (Jan 23.) for consideration. He said after that the report will be submitted to the cabinet for approval in February. He said that the measures cover benefit sharing between sugar cane farmers and factories, the import tax for sugar, and the debt-restructuring through Sugar Fund worth 15 billion baht. He said if approved, the plan will be implemented in the production year 2006-2007, but said that the plan will be carried out gradually so that consumers will not be severely affected. He said that domestic consumers will buy sugar at the exported prices, while adding that the farmers’ debts will be eradicated within 7 years.

Mr. Jakkamon added that liberalization of the sector will have to occur, but it will be a gradual process.

Source: Thaisnews.com ประจำวันจันทร์ที่ 23 มกราคม 2549