Deputy PM Supachai Discusses Bilateral Trade with Chinese Deputy PM to Upgrade High-Quality Product Exports to China
Thailand and China agreed to develop premium Thai agricultural products using Chinese technology for export to Chinese markets, with an initial focus on functional foods and age-friendly products. Deputy PM Supachai also proposed establishi
Driving the 'Digital-Green-Silver' Economy and Strengthening SME Online Market Channels
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammapanthu held bilateral discussions with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng on May 23, 2025, during the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting in Suzhou, China.
Supachai stated that relations between the two countries continue to strengthen steadily. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, and was highlighted by an official state visit by the Thai King and Queen in November 2024. She expressed appreciation for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for their warm reception.
Thailand also praised China's latest national economic and social development plan, which emphasizes digital and green economy initiatives leading to high-quality development through technology and innovation in manufacturing advancement. This aligns with Thailand's development strategy aimed at increasing product value and strengthening national competitiveness.
Supachai presented a pilot project proposal for bilateral cooperation to elevate Thai products to 'high-quality' or 'premium' status for export to the Chinese market, benefiting both nations. Thailand's existing high-quality agricultural raw materials would be processed using Chinese technology and innovation to reach modern consumers in China and worldwide. Initial pilot product categories include functional foods and age-friendly products, aligning with China's Silver Economy focus. This co-creation approach would strengthen Thailand's food security foundation, particularly for agricultural products like fruits, while expanding to global markets.
Supachai also requested that Chinese investors in Thailand increase their use of local resources in production processes, promoting manufacturing and investment cooperation between the two countries while enabling export to global markets—a win-win solution. If successful, this pilot model could become a 'success model' for expanding to other products in the future.
Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of promoting SME roles and proposed enhanced standards and product inspection procedures. This would prevent negative impact from Chinese imports on Thai SMEs while enabling Thai SME products to access the Chinese market. Supachai requested Chinese Deputy PM's support in promoting trade channels for Thai SMEs through establishing a 'Thai National Pavilion' on major Chinese online platforms, enhancing Thai entrepreneurs' access to the Chinese market.
"Today's proposal to China addresses both countries' interests and represents true Win-Win cooperation," Supachai stated, noting that the Chinese Deputy PM agreed and both sides assigned working teams to advance the initiative.
