With the intention of improving market access for fresh produce exporter in the Asia-Pacific region, an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) seminar to be held this week will assist producers to increase awareness about quality standards prevailing in international markets.

The training course entitled the Quality Management of Fresh Produce for Export Markets will be held from Oct. 3-12 at the Center of Excellence in Post-harvest Technology in King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok.

Dr. Sirichai Kanlayanarat, head of the Division of Post-harvest Technology, said improving quality standards was key to exporting more fresh produce.

"If international quality standards were met, it's likely that more fresh produce could be exported from the region," said Sirichai. "These increased exports offer greater economic benefits to both producers and consumers."

According to the APEC's agenda, the seminar will focus on the information about international quality standards, the developing and strengthening existing linkages between government, academe and industry, as well as the circulating information referring to equality standards of fresh produce. Delegates to the symposium include representatives from APEC member economies and international forums including processors and food exporters as well as specialists from research and academic institutions.

Source: Xinhua