Italy-Thailand trade increases

BANGKOK, October 9 (TNA) - Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn has hailed her recent visit to Italy, saying that purchase orders for Thai products increased over 200 million baht during her two-day visit, set from October 7-8. Apiradi, who led 15 executives from 10 Thai firms during the recent visit to Italy, told journalists on Friday that Italian importers were interested in Thai food processed products. Apiradi said she also attended the Expo Milano 2015 and had an opportunity to inspect the development of food products at several pavilions displayed by participating countries, which should be useful for laying out Thai food promotional strategy in the future. Touching on the recent signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement by 12 Pacific Rim countries, Apiradi pointed out that it is still “not too late” for Thailand to join, as the Thai government has to discuss in details with every concerned sector before making the decision. Out of TPP total members,Thailand has signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with nine countries, but the Kingdom has not yet signed FTAs with the United States, Canada and Mexico. According to the minister, there should be only slight impact from the United States although the US economy has the highest trade value with the Thai economy because Washington has extended its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for Thailand, while the Thai government has also amended trade rules and regulations on a regular basis. (TNA)