Thailand simplifies import process for SA shippers

Simplifying the import process for South African traders is the motivation behind a recent initiative by Thailand to develop standards that meet South Africa’s market requirements, especially in the fishery and seafood industries. ‘This new development will make the import process for South African traders much simpler than in the past,” says Somdet Susomboon, minister (commercial) of the office of commercial affairs of the Thai embassy in South Africa. South African professionals will be consulted on product design and packaging to make it consumer- or market-friendly, he added. While no preferential trade agreements between the two countries are yet in place, Somdet notes that a trade agreement is on the future planning boards for the mutual benefit of both countries. A double tax agreement between the two countries is already in place. “At present South Africa still offers great opportunities for growth of Thai exports. One third of Thailand's total exports to Africa goes to South Africa alone and in the first eight months of last year total exports to South Africa grew by 42.76%, which is almost double the 24.39% growth rate of the first eight months of the previous year. “Since South Africa is considered to be the gateway to the rest of sub- Saharan Africa, it is a target market for most Thai commodities. Major exports to South Africa include motor cars, parts and accessories, rice, radio-broadcast receivers, prepared or preserved fish, iron and steel products and rubber products.” The trade links between the two countries are very strong, says Somdet, with Thailand ranked as South Africa's number one trading partner in the Asean region. “South African exports to Thailand grew 58% in 2007 and we expect to see further growth in future. B ilateral trade between the two countries has enjoyed steady growth over the past couple of years,” he added.