Brazil expands cooperation and explores new markets with Thailand

Continuing its mission in Southeast Asia, one of Brazil’s main agricultural export destinations, the delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (Mapa) took strides in important collaborative measures and new trade agreements with the Thai government this week. Thailand ranks as the ninth-largest importer of Brazilian agribusiness, totaling $3.13 billion.

In partnership with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC), along with ApexBrasil, Mapa representatives attended the Brazil-Thailand Business Seminar in Bangkok on the 25th, followed by sectoral rounds. With the presence of Nalinee Taveesin, advisor to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, over 80 participants exchanged information on productive sectors, business environment, investments, commercial opportunities, as well as import requirements and procedures.

Among the Brazilian associations participating in the Seminar were ABPA (Brazilian Animal Protein Association), ABIEC (Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries), ABRAPA (Brazilian Association of Cotton Producers), ABRA (Brazilian Association of Animal Recycling), and CICB (Center for Brazilian Tannery Industries).

On the 26th, the Brazilian delegation held a meeting at the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives with Bunsing Warinrak, an advisor to the minister, and Sedthakiat Krajangwongs, vice minister, to discuss expanding agricultural cooperation between the two countries, considering their productive capacities.

During the meeting, it was agreed to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in 2022, to advance technical agricultural cooperation, covering topics such as animal health, pasture recovery, and agroforestry, with the first Working Group meeting scheduled for the second week of August this year.

Furthermore, the Thai side confirmed the removal of transit restrictions on poultry meat destined for third markets due to avian influenza. Brazilians also expressed interest in obtaining new accreditations to export beef and animal-origin meals, besides requesting a reduction in the high import tariffs applied in Thailand.

In another bilateral meeting with the Director of the Thai Livestock Department, discussions were held regarding the accreditation of Brazilian exports of beef and animal-origin meals, with new missions planned for the second half of 2024. It was also agreed to expedite market access for Brazilian products such as pork, pet food, honey, live cattle, and poultry genetic material, strengthening trade relations between Brazil and Thailand.

The Brazilian Mapa delegation is led by Roberto Perosa, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at Mapa, and includes Marcel Moreira, Director of Commercial Promotion and Investment; Dalci de Jesus Bagollin, General Coordinator of Commercial Promotion; and Ana Carolina Lamy, Agricultural Attaché in Thailand. The mission now proceeds to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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