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Published on July 4, 2007

The delegation comprised SRT deputy governor Nakorn Chanthasorn and representatives from the Finance Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Council of State and the Office of the Attorney-General.

Under the existing contract, which will expire next year, Central Retail Group is entitled to renegotiate before SRT can open bids.

Moulds to grow 5%

Thailand's moulds industry is forecast to grow by 5 per cent annually thanks to the establishment of an excellence centre.

The Thai-German Institute recently set up the centre in conjunction with Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, the Iron and Steel Institute and the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre.

 Assoc Professor Narong Varongkriengkrai, director of the Thai-German Institute, said yesterday that the cooperation also aimed to reduce imported raw materials by 3 per cent. Although the country's annual exports of moulds reach an average of Bt5 billion, imports are about Bt25 billion.

 The centre will also provide one-stop services for research and development, patent registration and business direction.

Farm export boost

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry believes the implementation of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement in October will benefit the Kingdom's exports of farm goods. Kanok Katikarn, secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economics, said yesterday that farmers should develop their crop quality to ensure market access in Japan.

They should also undertake supply-chain management from farm to export.