The Thai middle class, growing rapidly in the country, is making the fortune of the New Zealand food industry. In fact, the demand for meat and seafood from Wellington has increased. Meat exports have increased by 65% over the past five years, driven by 160% growth for beef, mutton and lamb.
New Zealand aims to further tighten ties with the Asian country to secure a place of honor in the hearts and stomachs of Thais who, with a generalized increase in incomes, have also developed an interest in traceable and high-quality products quality. "With the growth of the middle class - comments Karen Campbell, New Zealand trade commissioner in Thailand - there is enormous potential for the sales of eco-sustainable and high quality products". Campbell goes on to argue that there is room in the country for imports of red meat and green-shelled mussels, typical of New Zealand seas, but not available in Thailand.
Thailand and New Zealand signed a trade agreement in 2005 that drastically reduced many tariffs and facilitated investment between sectors.
Read in the Bangkok Post
