Thailand to host World Tapioca Conference 2013

BANGKOK, June 18 (TNA) - Thailand will host the World Tapioca Conference and Thailand Tapioca Exhibition 2013, set to be held at the Suranaree University of Technology in Nakhon Ratchasima province in the Thai Northeast from June 20-23. Banjongjit Angsusingh, Deputy Director-General of the Thai Ministry of Commerce's Department of Foreign Trade and Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Vinai Buapradit on Tuesday told journalists of the upcoming event, aimed to globally publicize Thailand's potential and status as the world's top exporter of tapioca. Thailand produces up to 26-30 million tonnes of raw tapioca each year, 70-75 per cent of which are possessed for exports, earning the Kingdom up to 80 billion baht annually. Tapioca is one of Thailand's major crops which have mainly driven forward the country's macro-economic growth, with its exports last year alone exceeding 80 billion baht, hitting a historic record. Nakhon Ratchasima is Thailand's largest production source of tapioca with 1.9 million rai-plantation areas and 5-6 million tonnes of tapioca output annually. Thailand's total tapioca export value is expected to reach 90 billion baht this year, generating revenues for more than 500,000 local households. (TNA)