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Published on February 22, 2008

"Japanese food importers have also grown concerned about Chinese products because of the safety factor. Thai food exporters should take this chance to increase their market share in Japan," Ampawan Pichalai, director of the Thai Trade Centre in Tokyo, said on Wednesday.

The Commerce Ministry forecasts all Thai exports to Japan growing by 10 per cent to US$19.8 billion (Bt641.5 billion) this year after rising 10.6 per cent to $18.1 billion last year.

In order to ensure sustainable exports to this key market, food exporters should maintain high product quality and set sanitary standards as a top priority, as Japanese consumers take food safety seriously, she said.

Japan relies on imports for 60 per cent of its food supply. Its food imports reached $65.54 billion last year, or 10.5 per cent of its total imports.

Although China is its major food supplier, the recent problem of chemical contamination has prompted its importers to slash orders from its neighbour.

Hundreds of Japanese reported feeling ill from eating Chinese-made dumplings last month, although China's government has tried to convince authorities that it was not caused by a lack of safety standards.

The news has crushed consumer confidence in Chinese food products, leading the Japanese government to diversify external food sources to many countries, including Thailand, Ampawan said.

Japan is expected to produce less food this year, in particular fishery products and poultry, due to higher temperatures from climate change.

Thai businesses should rush to exploit the current situation to increase market share in the long run, she said, adding that they need to pay more attention to food safety, traceability measures and other international food standards imposed by developed nations.

The trade centre reported that the Japanese government had urged companies to form joint ventures or enter into contract farming overseas as part of the government's strategy to boost consumer confidence.

The targeted countries include Laos and Vietnam.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation