Director Sorrapol Terapat said demand for such fish was increasing, because the EU and the US were importing it to replace halibut. He said a traceability system would facilitate market access. The system will apply some standards in use in the UK and Canada. The bureau has also set up an inspection team to certify quality.

Panga, which are found in the Mekong River, accounts for 350,000 tonnes of exports annually and generates Bt16 billion to Bt17 billion in foreign exchange. Vietnam is the country's major export rival. -

Better business ties with Iran

The Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Exim Bank) will provide credit support, to expand business ties with Iran.

The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Exim president Apichai Boontherawara met with Iranian Ambassador Mohsen Pak-Ayeen in Bangkok last Friday.

Apichai said Exim was ready to provide facilities to Iranian and Thai businessmen to bolster economic cooperation. He welcomed an exchange of expert delegations between his bank and the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI), saying the delegations would examine possibilities for providing more banking facilities to the countries' private sectors.

Pak-Ayeen called for the implementation of a memorandum of understanding previously signed by the EDBI and Exim Bank, to boost trade exchanges.

He expressed Tehran's readiness to facilitate visas for Thai businessmen.