Thai exports not seriously affected by violence in Egypt

BANGKOK, August 19 (TNA) - The Ministry of Commerce says that ongoing political violence in Egypt should not have any significant impact on Thai exports. Permanent Secretary for Commerce Vatchari Vimooktayon made the assessment on Monday, pointing out that Thai exports to Egypt have been limited. Vatchari expressed her hope when the situation in Egypt return to normal, Thailand's trade with the northeastern African country will be restored. Regarding Thailand's overall exports, Vatchari acknowledged that the country's exports have slowed down due to world economic problems and concerned authorities are, thus, trying their best to promote Thai products in main overseas markets, namely other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and Japan, as well as emerging markets. According to the senior official, her ministry's Department of International Trade Promotion is also working out plans to reach buyers directly, with its officials to discuss the issue with Thai commercial attaches and industrialists next month, during which they will also consider Thailand's export outlook in the second half of this year, when many factors are affecting Thai exports. Besides, the Commerce Ministry is trying to control the prices of products to protect local consumers, noting that the prices of products for this week's Hungry Ghost Festival has remained stable from the corresponding period last year, except the prices of pork. (TNA)