Thai farm products promoted in China

BANGKOK, June 20 (TNA) - Thailand's farm products, including fruits, will be promoted for their expanding sale volumes in China, thanks to a new agreement between a Thai market and two Chinese business entities. The agreement, in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), was signed in Bangkok on Thursday between the Emerald Market in Thailand's southern Chumphon Province, which has been supported by the ministry's Department of Internal Trade, and the two Chinese entities, including the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture (CASA) and the China Agriculture Wholesale Market (CAWA). Whichai Phochanakij, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, then told journalists that under the MOU Thai quality farm products, certified by his department's AGQC label, will be promoted in the immense Chinese economy through over 8,200 marketing channels of CAWA and CASA. "CAWA and CASA have agreed to immediately purchase Thai quality farm products that are certified with the AGQC label for the promotion and sale in China", Whichai said. According to the senior official, his department's AGQC label covers the official certification of the separation of different grades of products, the safe level of residues, the safety from phytopathy and pediculosis, good and proper packages and the standard quality that meets international benchmarks. The senior official revealed that public relations will be launched to provide proper information on the AGQC label to consumers, relevant business operators and agencies in both Thailand and China and roadshows will also be organized in China by the Thai side to promote Thai farm products with the AGQC quality label, beginning from next month. The senior official stated that CAWA will also help promote Thai farm products with the AGQC label through an online application of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and will, as well, launch a fast track system to facilitate the transport of Thai farm exports to China, called the "Green Lane". Meanwhile, CASA/CAWA representatives, led by CAWA Deputy Director Jiang Bo, who are staying in Thailand during June 18-21, are also scheduled to visit Chumphon Province, a large growing source of Thai fruits, and the Emerald Market in the southern province to further discuss their business cooperation. (TNA)