Thailand and Chengdu Deepen Agricultural Cooperation, Targeting Innovation, Trade, and Logistics to Access Western China

Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives welcomed the Vice Mayor of Chengdu and delegation during their visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation in smart agriculture and expand sustainable trade opportunities. The talks focused on enhancing innovation-driven agriculture and positioning Chengdu as a key gateway to western China. Thailand highlighted the strong potential of its agricultural exports, particularly premium fruits such as durian from the eastern region, which are in peak season and highly popular among Chinese consumers.

Both sides discussed advancing agricultural collaboration through modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, genome editing, biotechnology, precision agriculture, and solar energy applications. These innovations aim to improve productivity, reduce costs, and elevate product quality. The meeting also emphasized knowledge exchange between researchers and institutions, as well as expanding Thai agricultural exports into Sichuan province. Notably, Chengdu’s booming milk tea market—valued at over $60 billion—presents significant opportunities for Thai dairy exports.

The discussions reflect a broader shift toward integrated cooperation beyond traditional trade, encompassing technology, innovation, and logistics. Both parties see strong potential in leveraging the Laos–China railway to streamline agricultural trade and improve transport efficiency. Thailand was also invited to participate in the 12th Sichuan Agricultural Expo in Chengdu, providing a platform to showcase its agricultural strengths. As a major economic hub with over 21 million people and high purchasing power, Chengdu offers a promising market, with Thai agricultural imports already reaching $750 million in 2025—led by durian, bananas, and vegetables—signaling continued growth potential in western China.