South Africa's Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy has found Thailand's ban on the country's fresh produce has cost US$21 million (RND150 million) in lost exports annually, according to Supermarket.co.za.

The ban has 'devastated' local industry since it was imposed by the Thai government in 2008, leaving job losses in communities that serve the fruit industry, the story reported.

Thailand has banned South African fresh produce since 2008

South African ambassador to Thailand Donald Gibson said the embassy in Bangkok has had continuous discussions with Thai decision-makers in the hope to achieve a breakthrough, the story reported.

Government and fruit industry officials met in to Pretoria last month to discuss the issue, where Francis Moloi from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) highlighted South Africa's trade barriers in other countries as well.

"Government will work with South African business as well as our trading partners, including Thailand, to consider all options to find a solution to the challenges faced by our exporters in various markets, including markets in Asia," he was quoted as saying.

Photo: Government of Thailand

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com