The bright outlook for natural rubber in the next few years has prompted  Thai investors to expand rubber plantations both locally and abroad. Dhanin Chearavanont , Chairman of  the agribusiness heavyweight CP Group, announced recently that the group would place more emphasis on rubber and aimed to lead the business within the next few years.
He said the group had developed crossbred rubber tree saplings that could yield for up to 36 years, compared with 25 years for other strains. Investments to make rubber products such as concentrated latex will also be made at plantation sites. The Government of Thailand also wants to promote related businesses such as rubber nurseries and rubber manufacturing to support the growth.