Thailand is set to collaborate with major Chinese importers in a bid to empower entrepreneurs seeking to venture into the Chinese market. Thai trade representatives disclosed the outcome of discussions with Mr. Kevin Chen, the Asia-Pacific Regional Manager of Shanghai East Best Foreign Trade Company, a prominent Chinese state enterprise. The discussions centered on the company’s keen interest in partnering with the Thai government to facilitate the export of Thai goods to China, particularly agricultural products like chicken meat, rice, fresh shrimp, and more, utilizing online channels—a strategic platform deemed pivotal by China.
Despite this potential, discussions highlighted a crucial hurdle: Thai entrepreneurs’ limited grasp of Chinese marketing and sales strategies, compounded by specific laws governing commerce in China. While Chinese consumers hold a favorable view of Thai products, inadequate marketing strategies have impeded market penetration. To address this, the company proposed a solution: utilizing a Cross Border License to test-market Thai products within Free Trade Zones. This move aims to gauge consumer response and validate the demand for Thai goods in the Chinese market.
Simultaneously, Thai trade representatives advocated for a symbiotic collaboration, urging the company to partner with Thailand to bolster the growth and capabilities of emerging Thai entrepreneurs. The focus lies in imparting comprehensive knowledge regarding navigating Chinese online platforms crucial for product sales. Additionally, avenues to showcase high-quality Thai goods, such as the Thaitrade website under the Ministry of Commerce, were introduced to facilitate greater access to Thai products in the Chinese market.
The proposed partnership signifies a concerted effort to bridge the gap between Thailand’s exceptional products and the lucrative Chinese consumer base. Collaborative efforts aim to surmount existing barriers, offering Thai entrepreneurs a springboard to tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market.