In a bid to discover new markets for Thai exports, the Ministry of Commerce is considering Canada as a prospective high value export market for quality products. As such, the ministry has targeted the expansion of Thailand-Canada trade value, to a minimum of 69 billion baht.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Jurin Laksanawisit, has met with the Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, Sarah Taylor. During the meeting, the Minister of Commerce urged Canada to increase their farm products importation from Thailand.
While discussing, Laksanawisit made it known that farm products like Hom Mali rice, health brown rice, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, rubber products, and processed food suit the Canadian market.
With over 1,000 Thai restaurants in operation throughout Canada and the fame of Thai cuisine, the Minister of Commerce encouraged culinary schools in Canada to offer Thai cooking courses to help propagate the flavor of Thai dishes, while simultaneously urging the exportation of ingredients from Thailand, and promoting Thailand’s image while disclosing that Thailand is also set to facilitate more imports from Canada.
Both countries have acknowledged the advantages of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which provides around 20% tariff cuts for Thai products. The establishment of the ASEAN-Canada FTA must be approved by all 10 ASEAN member states, with the Commerce Minister’s meeting between ASEAN countries and Canada scheduled for September 2021.
