The study concluded that the countries could through quality logistics services become the gateway for trade between Southeast Asia and South America.

The Trade Negotiations Department said bilateral trade could have been Bt5.55 billion higher than last year's Bt11.33 billion if an FTA had been in place. The Chilean side estimated the value could have risen by 40 per cent, or Bt4.48 billion.

In the first six months of the year, bilateral trade totalled Bt8.45 billion, 40 per cent up from the same period last year. Thailand exports mainly vehicles, washing machines and canned food to Chile, and imports fresh and frozen seafood and metal ore. - The Nation.

Zero-interest offer from Lalin

Lalin Property, in association with Bank of Ayudhya, has launched the 'Zero per cent' campaign for customers looking to buy a house.

Under the scheme - valid until the end of August - customers purchasing a home from Lalin will be charged zero interest for one year. The move is aimed at boosting sales in the second half of the year, said the developer's president, Chaiyan Chakarakul. - The Nation.

China's woes likely to lift shrimp prices

Shrimp prices are expected to rise after China reduces its production from last year's 380,000 tonnes to a predicted 260,000 tonnes this year following natural disasters in the country, Thai Shrimp Association president Somsak Paneetatyasai said yesterday.

He said Thai shrimp would benefit from the price increase.

The association estimates Thai shrimp production at 400,000 tonnes this year, Somsak said. - The Nation.