Malee Choklumlerd, director-general to the International Trade Promotion Department, said the department would first meet with enterprises from the export sector as part of its plan to draw up a strategy to drive growth.

The department will meet with representatives from these industries: agriculture and food; electric appliances and parts; automobile and parts; textiles and garments; jewellery and ornaments; construction; healthcare products; and lifestyle.

Malee said that in the second half of this year, the department would emphasise the plan to drive exports in both major and emerging markets.

The director-general said the department would set up a business-matching activity when the prime minister and deputy prime ministers visit other countries.

The targeted countries in the second half of the year include Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, other Asean nations, China, and India. Malee said that exports were likely to recover in the second half thanks to economic growth in many countries, notably in the US.

The European Union’s economy is expected to stay the same, she said.

Malee said with the rising oil price, economic growth in the Middle East should also recover and increase purchasing demand, which would benefit Thai exports.

The ministry is targeting export growth of 5 per cent this year.

Other economic agencies have forecast growth of 0-2 per cent.

In September, the department will hold a meeting with Thai trade representatives overseas to estimate the export figure this year and draw up strategies for next year.