More Thai Fruits To Be Exported Overseas

More Thai fruits to be exported overseas

BANGKOK: -- Exports of Thai fruits from the eastern region are projected to grow more than 40 per cent this year, while local consumption is expected to grow at least 20 per cent, according to caretaker Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.

The projection is based on this year's Bt220-million action plan on restructuring of eastern Thai fruit produce, including durian, rambutan and mangosteen.

The restructuring covers the improvement of the local logistics and research and development (R&D) systems, as well as the creation of more value-added produce through product processing, marketing promotional campaigns and established brand names.

Based on the action plan, the ministry had targeted that the country's exports of fresh and processed durian this year would reach 200,000 tonnes, worth Bt4.62 billion, with China and other countries in East Asia becoming the major markets, said Khunying Sudarat on Wednesday.

Thailand's exports of fresh and processed rambutan this year had been set to reach 25,500 tonnes, worth Bt1.79 billion, with India and countries in the Middle East being the main export destinations, she noted.

"Given the action plan, the ministry expects that the country's total exports of fruits from the eastern region this year will grow more than 40 per cent from those of last year and local consumption will expand by at least 20 per cent," the minister told journalists.

--TNA 2006-04-27