Thailand And Malaysia Renew Agricultural Cooperation Pact
Thailand and Malaysia will sign a renewed agricultural cooperation agreement in July 2025, replacing a 46-year-old pact to address climate change, food security, and technological innovation across 13 agricultural sectors.
Thailand's cabinet has approved a new Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia, replacing an agreement that has been in use since 1979. The new MOU is scheduled for signing on July 9-10, 2025, during the Prime Minister's official visit to Malaysia, according to a statement by Deputy Government Spokesman Patchareerasmi Thongsalueykhorn on July 7.
The cabinet authorized the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, or a designated representative, to sign the agreement. The new MOU replaces the previous accord to reflect current changes in the agricultural sector and global challenges, including climate change, food security, and the application of technology and innovation to boost production efficiency.
The cooperation framework covers 13 sectors: crop, livestock, and fisheries development; disease prevention and control; research and development; technology transfer and agricultural innovation; human resource development; information and knowledge exchange; and food security promotion. The goal is to enhance the agricultural potential of both countries for sustainable growth.
The MOU will be effective for five years with automatic renewal for subsequent five-year periods. Cooperation will be based on mutual benefit and comply with each country's laws and policies.
"The government prioritizes upgrading Thailand's agricultural sector through cooperation with neighboring countries," officials stated. "Knowledge, technology, and innovation exchange will improve production efficiency, better combat plant and animal diseases, develop quality agricultural products to international standards, and strengthen Thai farmers' long-term competitiveness."
