Thailand sets up agricultural industry institute

BANGKOK, May 12 (TNA) - The private-run Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has joined forces with five government agencies in establishing a new agricultural industry institute in the country, aimed at further improving local agricultural products. FTI Chairman Chen Namchaisiri told journalists of the move on May 11. Chen said that FTI has already signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the five Thai government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Commerce and Kasetsart University. Initially, Chen acknowledged, an office will be set up to support Thai exports of timber products in an attempt to upgrade local agricultural-related products and alternative energy. (TNA)