NSTDA prepares Thai food sector for regional integration

BANGKOK, July 3 (TNA) - The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) on Tuesday held a seminar in Bangkok to showcase and publicize technologies on food preservation and packaging, from latest relevant research and development or R&D projects, to help boost competitiveness of local operators of food-related businesses, as part of Thailand's preparations for the formation of a Single Community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2015. The technologies presented at the seminar included those on food packaging to preserve quality and to extend expiry of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as new food quality testing techniques. Deputy Director of Thailand's National Food Institute (NFI) Amorn Ngarmmongkolrat, acknowledged, meanwhile, that two-way food trade between Thailand and other ASEAN member countries has kept growing with its continued upward trend foreseen, thanks to rising regional purchasing power. The deputy NFI chief, however, suggested that Thailand speed up implementing joint agricultural and forestry strategies and further strengthens the Thai food industry, through practical wage policy, relevant government rules and regulations and R&D projects. (TNA)