Thailand eyes Mid-East and Africa as new export destinations

Thailand agriculture Ministry is eyeing the countries in Middle East and Africa as new export destinations for farm products as the United States and Japan, the country's key export markets, are experiencing economic slowdown.

According to Thai news agency "TNA," an official said the ministry had planned to position the agriculture products, particularly vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the countries in both regions.

He said the ministry had down-revised to 2% projections of farm export growth this year due to the global economic slowdown, particularly in the US and Japan.

To offset the declined exports in the two countries, the ministry saw a need to seek new markets and found the Mid-East and African countries as potential destinations for the farm exports.

In particular, he said, most African nations lagged behind for food production. Thailand will also be offering production and investment assistance to agricultural sectors in the countries.