He said tourism has the greatest potential to be promoted between the two countries. However, the government should develop infrastructure to facilitate tourist transportation as well as exports.

Santi said the successful establishment of the provincial business council would attract more Chinese investors to Thailand. - The Nation.

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Rice exports down, prices up

Thailand's rice export volume dropped 2.1 per cent but value increased by 2.9 per cent during the first five months of the year, accord-ing to Foreign Trade Department.

The department said total export volume reached 3.02 million tonnes worth US$974 million (Bt37.2 billion). The export price increased 5.1 per cent in line with the rising global trend.

 Of the total, jasmine rice accounted for 1.02 million tonnes, with a value of $338 million.

Exports for June are expected to be in the region of 550,000-600,000 tonnes.

The department said that Iraq and Iran are still major buyers while Africa has delayed imports.

Total rice exports are expected to reach 7.5 million tonnes this year, with a va-

lue of $2.34 billion. - The Nation.

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Reliance to set up Thai base

The retail division of India's Reliance group will make Thailand its procurement hub for consumer products and will set up a warehouse, according to a Business Standard report.

Sources said Reliance would purchase fast moving consumer goods from China and other countries to stock at its warehouse in Thailand before forwarding them to India. - The Nation.