Thailand is set to elevate its export criteria and agricultural product standards, reinforcing the credibility and quality of the "Made in Thailand" brand. This commitment was announced by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister on Monday following a meeting with the chairman of an international trade promotion council in Shanghai.
The meeting, part of an official visit to Shanghai, aimed to explore opportunities for promoting Thai agricultural products in China's bustling metropolis. Discussions included enhancing cooperation in agricultural technology investment and increasing Thai product visibility at major international exhibitions organized in Shanghai, which hosts over 700 events annually.
The Minister emphasized that participating in international exhibitions in Shanghai is a strategic move to introduce new agricultural products such as coffee, premium rice, frozen mangosteen, and peeled pineapple to the Chinese market.
In addition to improving product quality, Thailand plans to expand its agricultural reach through online channels, particularly Chinese e-commerce platforms. This strategy is expected to provide more options for Chinese consumers and develop Thai farmers' entrepreneurial skills.
The chairman of the trade council expressed interest in boosting imports of Thai agricultural products, highlighting the high demand among Shanghai consumers for premium Thai goods. He noted that with effective public relations, new Thai agricultural products could gain significant popularity due to Shanghai's high purchasing power and openness to new products.
China is already Thailand's largest agricultural export market. In 2023, the Yangtze River Delta region imported over 4 million tonnes of Thai agricultural products, valued at more than $4 billion, ensuring a steady income for many Thai farmers.
Shanghai is a key market for Thai rubber, fishery products, and fruits, particularly durian. The city, along with the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, are major importers of Thai produce.
The meeting also focused on facilitating business matching and encouraging the exhibition of more Thai agricultural products at national and international trade fairs. Both parties agreed to establish a trade and investment cooperation network in the agricultural sector.
To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China in 2025, it was proposed that silk products from both countries be used as a symbol of the celebration, an idea warmly received by the Chinese officials.
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