12 August 2004

Thailand Offers Long-Term Credit To Boost Thai Frozen Chicken Exports 

The Thai government plans to offer long-term credit to Russia and other fund-starved countries to boost exports of Thai frozen chicken, according to the Commerce Minister, Watana Muangsook.

Mr. Watana said the government had devised the plan of offering long-term credit to prospective importing countries with problems of financial liquidity.

Russia imports most of its chickens from the United States, Mr. Watana said.

Russia is among the first targets, as they have a high consumption of chicken, he added.

The plan is aimed at increasing Thai exports of fresh chickens after they were hit by importing countries' fears about the recent outbreak of the bird flu in Thailand, Mr. Watana said.

Most of Thailand's chicken exports are now processed food, rather than fresh meat.