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Published on September 11, 2007

Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet said yesterday the ministry would investigate all 422 rice millers across the country to make sure the government's rice stock have not been pilfered.

The ministry will spend about three weeks investigating all warehouses, starting today.

"If any rice millers are found to have acted unscrupulously, they will be blacklisted by the ministry. They would then be unable to participate any rice bidding or pledging programme of the government," said the minister.

The move came after the ministry recently found more than 50,000 tonnes of rice missing from warehouses in the North. - The Nation

Focus on export growth

Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet will today meet 54 representatives from private-sector organisations in a bid to ensure that targeted export growth of 12.5 per cent to US$145 billion (Bt49.6 trillion) is achieved this year.

The meeting aims to clarify problems faced by exporters as well as ensure a truly cooperative effort among all parties to promote export growth, despite the firmer baht starting to affect the overseas sales of some sectors since last month.

Rachane Potjanasuntorn, directorgeneral of the Export Promotion Department, said the outcome of the meeting would be notified to 56 commercial counsellors and trade advisers worldwide with a view to establishing a new means of promoting export growth over the remainder of the year.

The ministry plans to meet all commercial counsellors on September 19.

"Despite slowing export growth last month, the ministry is confident exports can be boosted to hit the target," said Rachane. - The Nation

3 new condo projects

Asian Property Development is introducing three new Bangkok condominium projects worth a total of Bt2.8 billion, on Sukhumvit and Ratchadaphisek roads and in Phaholyothin Soi 18.

CEO Anuphong Assavabhokhin said demand for city condos had shown strong growth, leading to the decision to launch three in the second half.

"We had successful sales of three condominium projects, offering 1,300 units worth Bt3.6 billion total, launched in the first half," he said. "As a result, we believe our product under the brand Life Condo will meet customer demand, because we offer prime locations close to mass transit." - The Nation