PM follows up Thailand's preparations for AEC

BANGKOK, July 12 (TNA) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra chaired a meeting of the government's committee on international economic policies at Bangkok's Government House on Friday to follow up Thailand's preparations for the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. The meeting, attended by economic ministers and relevant officials, also followed up progress of Thailand's free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations at different forums and overseas rice markets. On the occasion, Yingluck ordered Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan to inquire from Thai embassies and commercial attaches worldwide about problems and obstacles of Thailand's overseas trade so that the government will work out solutions. Friday's meeting discussed especially the Philippines' ban on fresh poultry exports from Thailand, citing its concerns over the avian influenza, which has blocked Thailand from exporting frozen fresh chicken to the Philippines. Besides, a representative of the Commerce Ministry reported to the meeting although the establishment of the AEC is approaching, Indonesia has continued restricting its imports of vegetables and fruits by imposing import quotas and limiting import locations, which have affected Thai exports of red onion, durian and longan. Regarding Thailand's overseas rice markets, the prime minister wants relevant agencies to promote the quality of Thai rice to convince buyers, following reports that Indonesia and Malaysia have suspended their imports of Thai rice for alleged contamination and the mixture of new and old grains. (TNA)