Demand for pork in Thailand is getting much higher as locals and tourists prefer it over other traditional seafood available there. Demand and opportunities for fresh and processed pork and supply options from the Northeast were discussed at the business session of Bangkok’s Northeast India Festival, which concludes on Sunday.

The business opportunities between the north-eastern states of India and Thailand were discussed at length in Saturday afternoon’s session. The Northeast region serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia with its strong focus on Act East policy. Thailand, on the other hand, believes in “Look West”, a rapprochement with India.

Speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network, Shyamkanu Mahanta, lead organizer of the event co-hosted with the Embassy of India in Thailand, said: “Seafood is becoming a staple in this region and a global delicacy, but when you look at the diversity of pork cuisine “Looking at what the Northeast has to offer, or the pork specialties served here, is very popular not only with tourists but also with locals.”

Huge demand for pork in Thailand

Food stalls at the Northeast India Festival venue in Bangkok’s Central World saw massive demand for Northeast Indian pork delicacies. It can also be mentioned that the ethnic similarity of Thailand’s Thai communities with the Tai communities of Northeast India results in common tastes and similar cuisines.

“The demand for pork in Thailand is very high, but the production is not enough. We look forward to imports from Northeast India in particular,” said Pat Malakor, a local entrepreneur from Bangkok.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, on the other hand, is adamant that demand in Thailand presents a huge opportunity for unemployed youth in Assam and the North East.

He said: “We are ready to offer any help we can in terms of the collaboration that is needed at different levels to start the chain. This will boost the economy of Northeast India and Assam in particular. Pig farming should be seen as the next great economic revolution waiting to happen in the Northeast.”