June 10, 2008

Thailand to request Japan to lift ban on processed chicken
    
  

Thailand plans to request Japan to lift its ban on importing Thai processed chicken as the country is now bird flu-free.

Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Somsak Prissananantakul will make the request to the Japanese minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries at an event that starts on Friday (June 13, 2008) in Tokyo.

Somsak said his ministry's Livestock Development Department had also informed the OIE that Thailand is now free of bird flu.

Thai processed chicken export to Japan has an average growth of more than 10 percent in 2007.

Somsak also said he would request the Japanese minister to consider issuing certificate on the international organised fowls compartment system in regard to Thailand.

Thailand has nine such compartments and all have been certified for quality standards, Somsak said.

Somsak added that the Livestock Development Department should be authorised to inspect the compartments.