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The move was part of the Commerce Ministry's bid to increase the Kingdom's global exports to rise from 12.5 per cent or US$171 billion (Bt5.5 billion) to 15 per cent or $175 billion.

Mingkwan last week visited Casino Group and Tang Frere in Paris, two of the most influential retail operators in Europe.

Mingkwan has met with Casino's group's top executive Jacques Edouard Charret, and Tang Frere's president Bou Rattanavan.

After the meeting, Mingkwan said both firms are willing to increase import of foods from Thailand, in particular shrimp, fresh fruits, and other foods.

He said both companies could be great distributors for Thai goods as they have chain storesglobally.

"Greater opportunities should assure Thailand's exports to Paris will grow effectively by 12 per cent to $1.8 billion this year. I will also pave the way to boost Thai food exports in the long run as he French firms have thousands of stores worldwide," he said.

Thai exports to France grew 17.73 per cent to $466.1 million in the first quarter.

Under the cooperation, Casino will set up promotions under the theme of "Sabai-Sabai" for 200 Thai items in 205 outlets nationwide and in nearby countries.

The group will also raise imports of Thai fruits, like mangosteen and longan by 100-fold to 2,000 tonnes this year.

Casino is an operator of Big-C with more than 9,850 hypermarkets and department stores in France and Europe.

It generated ¤24 billion (Bt1.2 trillion) last year.

In addition, to promote local food export, the ministry will this year attend the French Muslim food exhibition in October to join campaigns serving France's 10 million Muslims.