From June 4 to 7, 2025, the Promotion and Economic Development of the Six Mekong River Basin Countries Trade Association, together with representatives from Thailand’s private sector bird’s nest entrepreneurs, visited Beijing, People’s Republic of China. The primary purpose of this visit was to engage in discussions with Chinese state agencies to formulate policy-level cooperation on the legal export of bird’s nest products from Thailand to the Chinese market.
The delegation was led by Ms. Sakuna Saranun, Member of Parliament and Honorary Chief Advisor of the Association for Thailand, along with Mr. Kanok Wongtrangan, Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security. The aim was to strengthen collaboration between Thai public and private sectors and key governmental bodies of China, namely the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine (CAIQ) and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).
Discussions focused on the legal framework and necessary procedures for the export of bird’s nest products from Thailand. Emphasis was placed on the registration process, the establishment of a robust traceability system, and the import authorization requirements from the origin, all of which must strictly comply with Chinese regulations. These efforts aim to create a stable export standard and enhance Chinese consumer confidence in Thai bird’s nest products.
During the visit, the delegation also toured Guolian Gufen (国联股份), one of China’s major international trade enterprises, to exchange industrial insights and explore potential trade cooperation between the private sectors of both countries, especially in sustainable bird’s nest trade.
The Association expressed its strong commitment to supporting Thai entrepreneurs in enhancing their competitiveness in the Chinese market. The Association has set a target to increase Thailand’s bird’s nest market share in China by 20–30%. Additionally, it aims to improve product quality and raise standards in processing plants and packaging systems to align with the preferences of Chinese consumers. These developments are considered key to boosting economic potential and expanding regional trade opportunities for Thai businesses.
This negotiation and exchange initiative marks a significant milestone for the Association in reinforcing Thailand’s role in the international supply chain and fostering concrete and sustainable economic cooperation among the Mekong River Basin countries.