In a strategic move aimed at cementing market standing and ensuring quality excellence, the Department of Foreign Trade, under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce, is spearheading a high-level delegation of Thai rice exporters on a pivotal visit to Japan. With dates set for August 27th to 29th, this delegation is poised to emphasize the unwavering commitment to quality and bolster market relationships, with the participation of 12 esteemed members from the Thai Rice Exporters Association.
At the heart of this diplomatic and trade endeavor lies the intention to fortify bonds and forge collaborations between Thailand and Japan’s public and private sectors. Acting as vanguards of this effort, the Thai Rice Exporters Association will actively engage with key stakeholders, including Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the authoritative body overseeing rice imports and determinations in Japan.
Among the top priorities on the itinerary is a comprehensive discussion of the intricate rice trade landscape, encompassing policies, challenges, opportunities, and shared solutions. By enhancing this exchange of insights, both nations aspire to foster a mutually beneficial trading environment that propels the rice industry forward.
A critical facet of this engagement involves a dedicated meeting with the Overseas Merchandise Inspection Company (OMIC), the esteemed quality inspector designated by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. This collaboration aims to address quality inspection intricacies pertaining to Thai rice exports to Japan, focusing on troubleshooting prevalent challenges and devising sustainable resolutions. Such endeavors are instrumental in cultivating confidence in the exacting standards upheld by Thai rice.
The year 2023 finds Japan standing as Thailand’s 6th largest market for rice exports, notably ranking 3rd in terms of Thai white rice exports. This strategic engagement holds profound significance, not only for maintaining the Thai rice market’s foothold in Japan but also for heightening trust in the quality and standards upheld by Thai rice.
As the two nations converge in the spirit of collaboration and mutual benefit, this visit underscores the vitality of fostering robust trade relationships, ensuring quality integrity, and affirming the pivotal role of Thai rice in Japan’s culinary and cultural fabric. This marks a compelling chapter in the enduring saga of Thailand’s agricultural exports and their role in global gastronomic landscapes.