Thai businesses seek deeper trade ties at 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning

Business people from Thailand are seeking closer cooperation with Chinese partners at the "Export to China" campaign of the 23rd China-ASEAM Expo, which kicked off Thursday in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

A total of 109 Thai companies are exhibiting agricultural and food products, beauty and personal care, logistics, textiles and many other products at the expo with Thailand serving as the thematic country for the "Export to China" campaign.

For many business representatives from Thailand, their message is the Chinese market remains highly attractive, and the future of China-Thailand cooperation looks increasingly promising.

"This is my 10th time attending the expo in Nanning, and every time the feedback has been excellent. After the expo, our agents distribute Thai products right here in Nanning, reaching customers across China," said a Thai exhibitor

For many Thai companies, the China-ASEAN Expo is more than a showcase, it is a gateway to China's vast consumer market.

"We’re here to see how Chinese consumers respond to our classic flavors, and to understand what they really want. This year, we also want to explore using Chinese materials to upgrade and innovate our products," said Zhang Zhengkun, a staff member of Waydhanar Company from Thailand.

The momentum behind the business cooperation is clear. From this January to August, total trade between China and Thailand reached 129.17 billion U.S. dollars, up 26.6 percent year on year.

China has remained Thailand's largest trading partner and its top export market for agricultural products for 13 consecutive years.

"China and Thailand share close cultures, especially in food, wellness, and traditional lifestyles. If we research and co-develop these products and services together, we can better serve markets in China, in Thailand, and around the world," said Yang Kaise, deputy secretary-general of Thai Chamber of Commerce in China.

Themed on "CAFTA 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life," the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit will run till Monday.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, in which the two sides discussed the latest regional developments, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

According to the ministry, Dar stressed the importance of uninterrupted energy supplies and the safe and expeditious passage of ships, particularly given their implications for developing countries and global supply chains.

Dar underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means to ensure peace and stability in the region, the ministry said.

The two foreign ministers also agreed to maintain close cooperation, according to the ministry.