JTBF Mission to Thailand 2009 (2/23-2/27)

Visit to Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC)

reported by Riichi Ishii (Chief of Food Development Committee, JTBF)

It was the 2nd meeting succeeding the last visit of February 2008. Then, we skipped introduction of both sides and started discussions immediately.

• JTBF:
  Thanks for taking your time for today's meeting with us. This time, our mission team is led by Mr. T. Kitayama, who was named Chairman of JTBF in July last year. Unfortunately, he can not attend this meeting because he is engaged with a meeting with Bank of Thailand. Would appreciate your understanding.
• Mr. Suchart (Chairman):
  I just met some of JTBF representatives during my visit to Japan with Minister of Commerce early this month. In the last year's meeting, we exchanged fruitful discussions on several important issues such as technology transfer in the area of food safety management and it was agreed that both sides would continue to strengthen their collaboration.
  
  I would like to brief on the progress of projects and activities that TNSC worked closely with Japanese organizations, both public and private.
  
  For example, TNSC have had continual cooperation of METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry）, JETRO and JILS (Japan Institute of Logistics Systems） to carry out many activities, such as holding seminars, to increase awareness on importance of logistics management for all stakeholders. In 2008, with cooperation of TUMST (Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology), Kasetsart University and Ajinomoto Co., Inc., we established "Food Safety Management Committee" and have come to host seminars for enhancing food security and safety responsibility in the course of supply chain management (starting March 16th). In addition, we have introduced "Logistics Certified Professional" training course to be held annually in Thailand with cooperation of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. and JETRO Bangkok.
• JTBF:
  On the side of Food Development Committee of JTBF, we are cooperating with Thai Embassy in support of "Just-in-time Program for Mango and Mangosteen". We introduced AIC (a Japanese trading firm), which, towards the end of year 2008, organized seminars to educate all parties concerned as to harvesting, transporting fruits from farm to the point of shipment. It is expected that mango and mangosteen under this scheme could be exported to Japan this year.
  
  We would like to emphasize that, for food security, all of the processes of logistics management are important, and that traceability of farms and farmers is also important.
• TNSC:
  In regard to food security concerns, there has been an increasing awareness in Thailand also. Labeling of "Thai Agricultural Cooperatives Approved" is becoming a common practice. "Movement Document" is also commonly required for transaction of shrimps, chickens and cow milk. We would like to introduce security system starting from whatever it is practicable.

Discussions were expanded to identify sectors, other than food products, which TNSC/JTBF can work together.

• Out of 2,700 companies which are enrolled as TNSC members, food exporters are 20% only. Then, TNSC intends to expand examples of Japan-Thailand cooperation in the area of food industry to other industry sectors also. JTEPA is considered to be one of cooperations to promote trade between Japan and Thailand.
• In Thailand, Product Liability Law came in effect on last Friday (February 20th, 2009). TNSC intends to play a key role in improving the level of traders which are concerned with supply chain management. In this regard, TNSC would focus on logistics and would host "Logistics Fair", jointly with Department of Export Promotion (DEP) and also inviting JILS.
• JTBF's observation of FOODEX which were held in Japan in past years is that, in Thailand booth, traders were just to display products under the sign-board of "Kitchen of the World". It was not so attractive compared to neighboring countries. Some creative ingenuities could better be tried with cooperation of concerned ministries. In responding to JTBF's comment, TNSC takes it an understandable concern. Currently, DEP just gives opportunities of participation to SME without giving any further advices. TNSC would convey the message to Ministry of Commerce.
• Before closing the meeting, both parties agreed to further cooperate to promote export of products, which are the result of technology transfer, to the third countries also.

Note: On March 4th 2009, members of Food Development Committee visited FOODEX 2009 to Thai booth. Observations and proposals are summarized in a report "Boring Kitchen of the World". Please refer to it.