Govt task force to look into grievances of sugar industry stakeholders

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said after engaging in dialogues with representatives of four sugarcane farmer organisations that the ministry was actively considering their grievances and concerns following the decision of the Central Committee for Prices of Goods and Services to classify sugar as a controlled product.

During the meeting, it was agreed to establish a task force responsible for balancing the sugarcane farmers and sugar industries. The task force will be chaired by Yanyong Puangraj, adviser to the prime minister, with the director-general of the Department of Internal Trade as the secretary.

Additionally, the task force will include the directors-general of the Department of Foreign Trade and the Department of Trade Negotiations, as well as representatives from the ministries of Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives, and four sugarcane farmers. The task force is mandated to provide a summary of the issues and propose solutions for the sugarcane growers and the sugar industry, with a deadline of one month for their work. If they can reach conclusions quickly, immediate action will be taken, Phumtham said.

Regarding the controlled sugar prices and exports, the process will continue as planned. This task force will collaborate to find solutions that benefit the entire industry and ensure its sustainability, Phumtham, who is also deputy prime minister, said.

When the task force reaches its conclusions, the government will be ready to listen and consider them for the benefit of all parties involved. This is essential for the growth of the industry and generating revenue for the country, he added.

"The government is open to removing sugar from the controlled goods list, but it must be a mutual agreement involving all parties and thorough discussions. The first meeting is scheduled for November 6, and we hope to reach a consensus soon," Phumtham said.