Expects that 7.3 million tons of Thai tapioca

BANGKOK, 29 June 2011 The Ministry of Commerce expects that 7.3 million tons of Thai tapioca worth a total of 70 billion baht are likely to be exported in 2011.

Speaking during the inauguration of the World Tapioca Conference 2011, Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangrach said a total of 7.27 million tons of tapioca worth 2.153 million US dollars or 68.331 billion baht were exported in 2010.

The permanent secretary elaborated that 75% of the total production that year was exported while the rest was kept for domestic usage.

Mr Yanyong continued that Thailand could produce about 30 million tons of tapioca annually. He expected that about 7.2-7.3 million tons worth 70 billion baht would be exported this year, which could help increase the country’s total export value by not less than 15%.

The World Tapioca Conference is scheduled from 28 to 30 June 2011. The event is aimed at honouring His Majesty King Bhumibol Adujyadej on his 84th birthday anniversary on 5 December and promoting good image of Thailand as the world’s no.1 tapioca exporter.