Thai exporters, especially rice dealers, are urged to exercise the generalized system of preferences (GSP) programme given by Russia to the kingdom in order to boost exports to that country, a senior Thai commerce ministry official said.

Chutima Bunyapraphasara, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said that during the first two months of 2009 Thailand exported rice valued at US$63 million to Russia but exporters used privileges they are entitled to under the programme only for US$15 million, equivalent to only 25 per cent of the programme.

Exporters should make more use of GSP rights in order to increase export value under the programme given by Russia, Ms. Chutima said.

Two-way trade between the two countries in 2008 totalled US$3.84 billion of which Thailand exported goods worth US$956 million while imports totalled US$2.88 billion, she said.

Under the GSP privileges offered by Russia to Thailand, there are a number of Thai agricultural and industrial products whose tariffs are lowered up to 25 per cent.

Key Thai exports to Russia include rice, air-conditioners, polyesters, car parts and jewellery products while its imports are crude oil, iron and steel products, and minerals.

Source: TNA