Bangkok: "Thailand-China" has signed a protocol to open the export market for royal jelly and pollen, a move aimed at elevating Thai agricultural products and increasing opportunities for farmers. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao visited the People's Republic of China for this significant event.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thammanat attended the 9th ASEAN-China Ministerial and Director-General Meeting on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Cooperation, where he signed a protocol on food safety, veterinary care, and plant protection. This agreement is set to enhance the export of Thai bee products to the Chinese market, marking a pivotal moment for Thailand's agricultural sector.
The signing ceremony was chaired by Lt. Col. Thammanat, with Ms. Sun Meijun, Minister and Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), representing the Chinese side. This collaboration underscores the successful coordination between the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the General Administration of Customs of China, establishing trade terms, production standards, and quality control systems that meet international requirements.
The new protocol signifies China's confidence in the standards of Thai agricultural products. Previously, Thailand was restricted to exporting only honey. With this new agreement, the country can now export royal jelly and bee pollen, thereby opening up new markets for beekeepers nationwide.
In 2024, Thailand exported a total of 7,311.88 tons of bee products, valued at 621.43 million baht. Exports to the Chinese market alone amounted to 542.43 tons, valued at 78.36 million baht. Following the signing of this protocol, the value of bee product exports is expected to increase significantly, reaching over 800-1,000 million baht per year.