Issue 57

The Ministry of Commerce has urged Thai entrepreneurs to showcase the latest innovations in agricultural machinery at Thailand Tractor & Agri-Machinery Show (THAITAM) 2016, which will be held from December 2 to 11 at Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom.

“This event targets international manufacturers and buyers especially from Africa, South Asia, and ASEAN countries. We aim at positioning Thailand as an ASEAN innovation leader and a premier agricultural machinery manufacturing and trading hub in the world market,” Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said on August 10.

Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed that Thailand’s agricultural machinery industry was worth more than US$1.9 billion (65.91 billion baht) with imports of US$1.03 billion (35.73 billion baht) and exports of US$871 million (30.18) billion baht. The key machinery exports included wheel ploughs, feed mills and grinders, tractors, water pumps and combine harvesters.

Issue 57

Thai entrepreneurs are urged to tap the global herbal supplements and remedies market, which is estimated to reach US$115 billion in 2020. Data from DITP shows that the world herbal market was worth over US$83 billion in 2007.

“Demand of herbal extracts is increasing on the world market because of growing consumer awareness about health and wellness. Thai producers should enhance the quality of herbal products to meet the global standard, especially the quality of raw materials and their efficacy,” DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd said on August 11.

In the first six months of 2016, Thailand’s herbal extract exports valued at US$3.8 million (133 million baht), an increase of 11% on the same period in 2015. The key export markets are Myanmar, China and the US.

Issue 57

DITP Assistant Director-General Matyawongse Amatyakul presided over a seminar entitled ‘Thailand Halal to the World’ at Al Meroz Hotel on August 24.

At the seminar, speakers shared information and opinions about the halal market as well as offering suggestions for exporting more Thai halal products.

Data from Thailand’s National Food Institute showed that in 2014, the country’s halal food exports were valued at US$6 billion (200 billion baht), ranked in the world’s top 10. The halal food exports have grown by 8% annually over the past five years.

Issue 57

Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn announced on August 18 the ministry’s 20-year strategy, which will be implemented from this year until 2035.

The five key strategies are: to promote trade in services ahead of trade in goods; to promote start-ups and SMEs; to promote marketing ahead of manufacturing and to make Thailand into a regional trading centre; to amend rules and regulations and promote the use of innovation for commercialisation; and to urge farmers to market their products by themselves.

“We will focus on trade in targeted service businesses including restaurants, spas, medical services, hospitality, film and animation. The country will be able to export more products related to these services once consumers accept them, ” Tantraporn said at an event marking the ministry’s 96th anniversary.

Issue 57

The Qinzhou Free Trade Port Area executive has encouraged Thai companies to use its zone to distribute Thai products across China, DITP Deputy-Director Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat stated on August 4.

For the first two years, Thai entrepreneurs can use the area and sell products online free of charge, after that they have to pay 5% of total sales. Moreover, China will provide assistance in the form of advice on marketing, rules and regulations about customs and import processes, business matching and language.

“There are many potential Thai products for the China market including food, healthcare products, gifts and home decoration items, OTOP products and wood,” said Vivatrat.

For more information, please contact DITP’s office in Nanning at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.ditp.go.th.

Issue 57

The DITP will allocate up to 25% of its total budget of US$57.72 million (2 billion baht) in the upcoming fiscal year for promoting export activities in ASEAN countries, focusing on CLMV (Cambodia Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam).

“DITP will spend the budget to promote trade in services and goods by organising trade fairs, holding promotions in department stores, and building networks for Thai traders and local distributors,” DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd said on August 21.

The remaining budget will be used to promote trade in other markets – 25% to East Asia and Oceania, 20% to Western Europe, 10% to the Americas and 5% each to South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.