Thailand looks to boost trade with Bahrain, Kuwait

BANGKOK, October 14 (TNA) - Thailand’s Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom is on a five-day official visit to Bahrain and Kuwait to expand trade and investment. Mr. Boonsong told journalists before his departure for the two Middle East countries that his visit was aimed at boosting Thai exports, especially halal food, to those two countries. Thailand is emerging as a more prominent halal food exporter, having earned sixth place in the global market share. The country ranks 15th in the world and first in Asia as a manufacturer and exporter of halal food -- food that is permissible for Muslims to eat. Mr. Boonsong said he would also ask the governments of Bahrain and Kuwait to raise their imports of Thai rice and frozen chicken, saying the UN’s World Health Organisation had already confirmed zero bird flu infections in Thailand at present. He added that concerned officials would be invited to inspect factories manufacturing frozen chicken in Thailand in order to help boost confidence in Thai poultry quality. Two-way trade between Thailand and 15 countries in the Middle East during the first eight months this year amounted over 29.8 billion U.S. dollars. Exports by Thailand during the period were valued about 7.8 billion U.S. dollars while imports totaled 22 billion U.S. dollars. Major Thai exports include automobile and auto-spare parts, air-conditioners, rice, jewelry and seafood. (TNA)