On March 6, 2013, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs – along with Mr. Boonsong Teriyapirom, Minister of Commerce, Mr. Olarn Chaiprawat, Chairman of Thai Trade Representatives, and Mr. Tossaporn Serirak, the Government Spokesman, met and discussed with managers from Fairtrade organizations based in the Swiss Confederation and the Kingdom of Belgium on matters regarding cooperation in Fairtrade products and services.
          One of the “Fair Trade” philosophy’s goals is the betterment of farmers’ livelihoods, making sure that farmers receive fair benefits, guaranteed price floors and minimum wages, quality of working life, social responsibility, and environmentally friendly production processes.
          Sales of Fair Trade products within the Fair Trade system in Europe have enjoyed steady growth, even amidst the Euro crisis. Raising awareness of the advantages of the Fair Trade system in agricultural cooperatives, food processors and consumers alike is a means of market expansion.
           In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister emphasized the role of the government in making Fair Trade organizations’ success, which NGOs and related private businesses are key drivers in development of agricultural and premium product, raising public awareness, as well as supporting the Thai Kitchen to the World government policy.
            Representatives of Fair Trade agreed that at present, Thailand is the largest producer of Fairtrade products in Asia. Therefore, Thailand is in good standing for market expansion, especially for rice, coconut milk, pineapples, mangoes, and dried fruits. In addition, the Fairtrade Network of Asian and Pacific Producers (NAPP) – which was held in March 2013 – provided fruitful dialogues on raising awareness of farmers on improving production standards and knowledge and experience-sharing with Fair Trade producers in the Asia-Pacific region.