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The fruit could then be distributed throughout each province.

Chairman Dusit Nontanakorn said the policy was aimed at helping farmers, mainly in Chiang Mai and Phayao provinces, the main areas of lychee production.

The TCC itself will purchase 6-10 tonnes.

Tesco Lotus puts Thai fruits on display in UK

Tesco Lotus will launch a special promotion in the UK for Thai fruits between the end of this month and June 14.

Chairman Sunthorn Arunanondchai said the "Healthy and Tasty from Thailand" campaign would be held in 70 Tesco branches across the UK.

"The campaign is aimed at promoting Thai fruits in the UK and other countries," he said.

Seven tropical fruits will be featured: mango, longkong, mangosteen, lychee, rambutan, longan and dragon fruit.

The supercentre giant also plans to import Thai vegetables for distribution not only in the European Union, but also Asia. - The Nation

Global Connections cuts sales and earn

Global Connections, a distributor of materials used in the petrochemical and plastics industries, has lowered its sales target for the year to Bt2.5 billion from Bt2.9 billion after witnessing a decline in orders in the first quarter.

The company predicts its earnings will also drop, by 30 per cent, president Somchai Kulimakin said yesterday.

He said the company would focus more on packaging-business sales, as they currently contribute better margins than other segments. The ratio of packaging sales will be increased to more than 70 per cent, from 60 per cent at present.

Meanwhile, the combined sales proportion of automotive and electronics will be reduced to 20 per cent from 25 per cent in line with the slowdown in those industries, he added.

Siamgas sets up 4 overseas units

Siamgas and Petrochemicals has invested more than US$3 million (Bt102 million) to set up four overseas subsidiaries for trading in petroleum products.

Managing director Supachai Weeraborwornpong said in a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday that the companies are: Siamgas Vietnam, with registered capital of $1 million; Siamgas China, with capital of $1.5 million; Siamgas International in the British Virgin Islands, with an investment of $1 million; and United & Petrochemicals in Malaysia, with an investment of 1 million ringgit (Bt9.8 million).

AOT wants to hike free-zone fees

Airports of Thailand plans to talk with Thai traders about increasing its service fees at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Free Zone in order to boost revenue.

Acting AOT president Somchai Sawasdiphol said yesterday that the company was considering raising the fees after bringing its IT system in line with the IT system of the Customs Department, which will provide traders with greater logistical convenience.

AOT has generated relatively little revenue from its free-zone service fees, while its expenses include the hiring of Thai Airport Ground Services to manage the zone. - The Nation