The commerce minister held discussions with the Chinese ambassador on enhancing exports of Thai agricultural products to China and fostering sustainable and firm bilateral trade.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said she had discussions with Zhang Jianwei, Chinese ambassador to Thailand, last Wednesday to explore measures to improve economic collaboration between the two nations. Thailand sought China’s support in facilitating exports of Thai agricultural products to China, including rice, longan and beef cattle.
During the meeting, she asked the ambassador to communicate with the Chinese government about easing the import process for Thai longan and expediting the consideration to open the Chinese market for Thai beef cattle.
Mrs Suphajee also requested the Chinese government purchase more Thai rice, citing its quality and competitive prices.
She is planning to lead a delegation of 60 Thai businesses to the China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November, allowing Thai businesses to showcase their quality products and promote exports to China.
The two nations are slated to sign an agreement on upgrading the Asean-China Free Trade Area agreement at the Asean-China Summit later this month.
China is Thailand’s largest trade partner. In 2024, bilateral trade tallied US$116 billion, a 10.4% year-on-year increase, with Thailand’s exports totalling $35.3 billion and imports $80.6 billion.
For the first 10 months this year, bilateral trade amounted to $96.3 billion, up 28% year-on-year, with exports at $27.7 billion and imports $68.5 billion.
Key export products are fresh, chilled, frozen and dried fruit; rubber products; computers and peripherals; plastic pellets; and cassava products. Major imports include electric machinery and peripherals; electric appliances; computers and peripherals; and iron and steel products.