
Thailand worries China-Laos railway may open floodgate for Chinese goods
Bangkok: The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has expressed concern that the China-Laos railway will hurt Thailand’s agricultural economy and the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), according to media reports.
TCC fears the Nong Khai checkpoint will become a gateway for Chinese fruits and vegetables, The Star reported.
Pointing out that the checkpoint is not officially open for trade yet, national strategy and defence specialist Chaiyasit Tantayakul said the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is in talks with relevant Chinese authorities to find solutions, the newspaper reported.
The aim of the talks is to solve problems hampering Sino-Thai trade, like difficult customs clearance problems for fruit from Thailand, The Star reported.