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"The country's export problems with fruits and vegetables come down to a supply shortage, unpredictable production volume and, most importantly, lower quality than required by international standards," vice minister Veerasak Jinarat said.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should arrive and be ready for distribution in the EU within 24 hours, says a proposal agreed upon by private-sector groups, including the Federation of Thai Industries, the Board of Trade and the Thai Fruit and Vegetable Producers Association.

The proposal will be submitted to Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai for forwarding to the Cabinet for approval in the near future.

Veerasak said a collaboration between Thai Airways International and Munich Airport to set up a Thai Perishable Distribution Centre there was proceeding smoothly.

The airport in Germany plans to add one runway by 2011 and add 750 square meters to its service space by 2012.

"Those investments will encourage Munich to become a hub for Central and Eastern Europe," he said.

The ministry wants to increase the volume of produce through the centre from an average of 1.5 tonnes a day to 10 tonnes in the near future.

The Department of Export Promotion and department-store chains in Germany, including Edeka, Kaufhof and Metro, are featuring fresh Thai produce in their stores.