Somphan Eamrungroj, senior executive vice president, said Shanghai had been selected for the first office because it is crowded with Thai businessmen and Chinese investors.

The representative offices are designed to serve the government's policy of boosting exports in targeted markets such as China and the United States.

The bank is waiting for approval from Shanghai's administration to set up the office.

Initially, two destinations in China were considered - Shanghai and Guangzhou. Shanghai won out thanks to its many support facilities.

The Shanghai office will be located in the Thai Consulate building under the same roof as the offices of the Export Promotion Department and Board of Investment.

The Exim Bank is also conducting a survey to find a suitable city in the US to open a representative office. Thailand needs to have a facilitator there because it is the biggest market for her exports.

The plan came after Somkid Jatusripitak, caretaker deputy prime minister, visited China many times to expand mutual trade and investment ties.

The government has ordered the Exim Bank to play a key role in assisting Thai exporters running businesses in China.

The office will focus not only on financial and packing credits but also the gathering of trade and investment information.

The data will help the bank advise Thai firms to invest through the

best channels and in the right businesses.

Achara Pongvutitham

The Nation