Hogs accounted for Bt2.77 million of the total, chickens for Bt2 million, frozen pork for Bt11.48 million and frozen chicken carcasses for Bt13.53 million.

The Livestock Development Department recently reported that imports of cow and buffalo leather from Cambodia were worth Bt22.32 million last year, while Thailand's livestock exports to Cambodia were Bt113.81 million.

The department has ordered its officials to impose stringent restrictions on any cross-border animals to prevent bird flu and other animal diseases from entering the country. - The Nation.

VN 'offers openings'

Trade and investment between Thailand and Vietnam is looking up after Vietnam opened more markets under World Trade Organisation commitments.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, the good relationship between the countries means Thai enterprises are better able to invest in the country, a Bangkok seminar was told this week.

Kittipong Na Ranong, Thailand's ambassador to Vietnam, said Vietnam was moving forward quickly and had great conditions for Thai investors, including close locations, abundance of materials, a cheap labour force and a population of 83 million.

Nguyen Duy Hung, Vietnam's ambassador to Thailand, said most foreign investors considered Vietnam a good destination for investment with an open environment, cheap, educated and skilled labour force, and cheap raw materials. - The Nation.

EU, Korea in FTA talks

There have been many positive reactions in the European Union on the first round of negotiations for a free-trade agreement with South Korea. Some experts, however, are saying that the talks might take longer than the Koreans expect because of possible wrangling among EU member states.

Experts say the EU will gain a stronghold in the East Asian market if a deal is finalised. An agreement could boost EU exports to Korea by as much as 47.8 per cent. The biggest beneficiary would be business services. - The Korea Herald, Asia News Network.