Recently, Thai Vice Minister of Commerce Ekachai held talks with He Xinxing, Vice Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. During the meeting, Ekachai expressed gratitude for Guangxi’s longstanding hospitality and support, particularly the courtesy extended to Thailand as a co‑host of the China‑ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). Thailand confirmed its continued support for the Expo, recognizing its role in promoting trade, investment, and open cooperation between ASEAN and China.
Ekachai noted that Thailand has submitted an application to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) for market access for three additional fruits: passion fruit, dates, and salak (snake fruit). He requested Guangxi’s support in facilitating the process so that more Chinese consumers can enjoy nutritious Thai fruits. Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to strict quality and standard controls and expressed hope for smoother facilitation for Thai investors in China. In return, Thailand welcomed Guangxi enterprises to invest in promising sectors such as new energy vehicles, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
The Thai side also highlighted the visa‑free policy between the two countries as an opportunity to expand tourism exchanges and encourage more Thai citizens to visit Guangxi.
Separately, Rabipa Chantasilp, Director‑General of the Department of Agriculture of Thailand, previously stated that GACC plans to conduct on‑site evaluations in August of Thai plantations and packing facilities for dates and salak, paving the way for these fruits to officially enter the Chinese market.
China is the largest export market for Thai fresh fruits. Currently, 22 types of Thai fruits have been approved for export to China, including durian, mangosteen, longan, banana, mango, lychee, rambutan, pineapple, and coconut, covering most of Thailand’s signature varieties. With the ongoing efforts to add passion fruit, dates, and salak to the list, the range of Thai fruit exports to China is expected to expand further.
In 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce aims to extend the “golden era” of its fruit industry, projecting total fruit output to reach 6.736 million tons, an increase of 858,000 tons or 15% year‑on‑year.
