International Seminar on Enhancing Export Competitiveness of Asian Fruits was successfully held from 18-19 May 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. The seminar was organized by the United Nations Asian and Pacific centre for Agricultural Engineering and Machinery (APCAEM), and supported by the Trade and Investment Division (TID) of UNESCAP, and the Department of Agriculture of Thailand. Over 100 participants attended the seminar and expressed their concerns and perspectives of global fruits exports. Participants shared valuable experiences of the current fruits export situation in the region, potential market, and the state-of-art technology in modern fruits supply chain management.

The Group Discussion session on 19 May was the most important session. Discussion took place among the participants including staff members of ESCAP, APCAEM, and FAO regional office in Bangkok. On the basis of the discussion, participants formulated the necessary considerations, appropriate programmes for enhancing export competitiveness of Asian fruits by various agencies.

APCAEM intends to identify and demarcate its role in enhancing the competitiveness of Asian Fruits, and aims to play a proactive role in assisting its member countries in capacity building and catalyze the policy framework.