The Thai Commerce Ministry has announced seven key measures and 25 action plans to further manage the supply of fruit. These strategies are designed to prepare for an anticipated surplus in fruit production, lift domestic consumption, and expand export opportunities.
This year, Thailand’s total fruit production is anticipated to reach 6.74 million tonnes, up 14.6% year-on-year, according to Bangkok Post.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the proposed measures will address all aspects of the supply chain, from production and domestic marketing to export and trade facilitation, with the ultimate goal of achieving price stability. The first measure focuses on instilling confidence in fruit production, which includes expediting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification and establishing a "Set Zero" centre to maintain fruit quality.
The second measure aims to encourage domestic fruit consumption through the integration of forward markets, product distribution beyond production areas, support for management costs, and the promotion of geographical indication. Initiatives such as free fruit shipping and the hosting of a "Durian Buffet" to entice tourists are also on the agenda.
Thirdly, the ministry will enhance international market promotion by organising border trade fairs, facilitating business matching, supporting sales overseas, and participating in trade exhibitions.
The fourth measure is the promotion of products by leveraging free trade agreement advantages and negotiating trade facilitation measures with partner nations.
Fifthly, the ministry will encourage the processing of fruits and advocate for the cultivation of horticultural crops in place of annual crops.
Sixthly, efforts will be made to eliminate trade obstacles by easing labour mobility, creating provincial-country sales teams, and assembling special task forces to negotiate with China.
Finally, legal measures will be implemented to mandate the display of purchase prices at collection points daily at 8am, alongside stricter actions to prevent trade exploitation./.
