China to become major market of Thai poultry products

BANGKOK, August 27 (TNA) - Thailand eyes to export more poultry products to China, where annual purchase orders are targeted to reach about 20 billion baht in the future. Dr. Soravit Thanito, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, under the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, told journalists of the high potential of the Chinese market for Thai exports of poultry products on Monday. Dr. Soravit said to secure the immense Chinese market for Thai exporters of frozen poultry and parts, Thai Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Luck Wajananawat has signed a protocol on poultry trade with China's Vice Minister for the General Administration of Customs Zou Zhiwu on requirements concerning the inspection, confinement and hygienic standard of the Thai poultry products. Based on the protocol, Dr. Soravit acknowledged, the Thai side is responsible for the inspection, confinement and hygienic standard of the the country's frozen poultry and parts to ensure that they meet the agreed criteria before shipping the products to China. Besides, the Thai side is required to share relevant information and documents to the Chinese side regarding the inspection, confinement and hygienic standard of the country's frozen poultry and parts, covering those on chemical residues, possible risks of any animal disease outbreak, production and expiry dates, proper storage temperatures and accession serial numbers. According to the senior official, there are now seven Thai poultry production plants that have been officially certified to export frozen poultry and parts to China, which should initially earn the Thai Kingdom about 600 baht annually. The senior official revealed when all 19 targeted Thai poultry production plants are officially certified, the Thai Kingdom should earn up to about 20 billion baht from the exports of frozen poultry and parts to the immense Chinese market. (TNA)