Thailand and China Sign Agricultural Agreements to Boost Fruit Exports
Thailand and China have signed three agricultural MOUs, marking the first-ever export of fresh salak to China and updating protocols for durian trade.
The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has officially signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Chinese authorities to strengthen agricultural trade. A significant outcome of this agreement is the opening of the Chinese market to fresh Thai salak (snake fruit). The deal covers four specific varieties of the fruit, with projections estimating an annual export volume of approximately 2,000 tons, valued at 76 million baht. For residents and visitors, this development highlights the ongoing expansion of Thailand's agricultural export sector, which continues to be a pillar of the national economy. In addition to the salak agreement, the two nations have updated the existing protocol for fresh durian exports. This update introduces enhanced traceability systems and comprehensive food safety testing plans to ensure compliance with international standards. These measures are intended to maintain the competitiveness of Thai durian in the Chinese market. While these agreements establish a framework for increased trade, specific timelines for the first shipments and the full implementation of the new safety protocols remain to be confirmed by the respective agricultural departments. This partnership underscores the deepening economic ties between Thailand and China, focusing on quality control and market diversification for Thai fruit producers.
