Thailand pushes fruit consumption in domestic market

Bangkok (VNA) - The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has teamed up with the Agriculture Ministry to adjust a fruit management plan, focusing on the domestic market to offset exports hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, local media reported.

Deputy Minister of Commerce Sansern Samalapa said the plan will cover production management; distribution channels; business matching among traders, importers and Thai operators; financial support; and safety standards.

Sansern on April 9 called a meeting with government agencies and companies, including the Transport Ministry, Grab Thailand and Thailand Post, to ask for cooperation on fruit management during harvesting season, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported.

The Thai government will offer leniency to a certain extent in labour movements, particularly for farm workers and fruit pickers; exercise the Price of Goods and Services Act to ensure fair trade competition; and promote contract farming and the linkage between farmers, processors, traders and supermarkets.

For the distribution channel, Thailand Post will be tasked with handling fruit delivery with the state subsidising the delivery fee, while producers will be upgraded and trained to sell more via online platforms and social media.

To boost exports, the Commerce Ministry plans to launch business matching between buyers, importers and Thai operators; online business matching events; fruit caravans to neighbouring countries; and PR initiatives and roadshows in foreign countries.

According to Deputy Minister Sansern, the government will also offer to subsidise 3 percent of the loan interest for 10 months for local fruit collectors and 3 percent for six months to fruit collectors for exports. In addition, the government wants to offer an additional three baht (0.031 USD) per kg for expenses in fruit collection to fruit collectors for exports./.