According to Mrs Apiradi, despite overall food exports falling by 5.9% in the first eight months to $20.70 billion, higher purchase demand for shrimp, frozen and processed chicken, canned tuna and fresh fruits and vegetables are expected to help shore up the food sector to growth in the remaining months.
Shrimp shipments are expected to increase 8% this year to copy.6 billion, with those of frozen and processed chicken set to grow 4.5% to $2.5 billion, canned tuna to increase 4% to $2.4 billion, and fresh fruits and vegetables up 3% to 6 billion.
The Commerce Ministry through the International Trade Promotion Department also plans to invite potential buyers from across the world to take part in business-matching activities for Thai rice and tapioca from Nov13-16.
Despite the murky global economic prospects, Thailand's gems and jewellery exports are expected to grow this year because of their high quality and wide price range, said Mrs Apiradi.