From 26 to 27 May 2025, the Promotion and Economic Development of the Six Mekong River Basin Countries Trade Association, in collaboration with the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), organized a seminar titled “Driving the Rubber Economy and Proposing Import Tariff Reduction” in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. The event was held at The Riverie by Katathani Hotel, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province.
The seminar aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the rubber industry and advocate for reducing China’s import tariffs on natural rubber.
On 26 May 2025, bilateral discussions were held. The Thai delegation was led by Dr. Phek Leotwangphong, Chairman of RAOT, and included representatives from the Port Authority of Thailand, Department of Trade Negotiations, Department of Foreign Trade, Mae Fah Luang University, Office of Agricultural and Cooperative Affairs, and rubber farmer representatives.
The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Lyu Sheng, Commercial Consul at the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai, with participation from various public and private sectors, including Xishuangbanna Manlie Rubber Co., Ltd.
Both parties exchanged views and proposed forming a joint rubber task force to drive forward the tariff reduction agenda and address cross-border trade obstacles. Logistics cooperation—especially via the Mekong River—was also discussed.
On 27 May 2025, the delegations visited Chiang Saen Commercial Port to study cross-border agricultural exports by river transport. They also observed rubber collection and quality control processes at the Phaya Mengrai Agricultural Cooperative, supported by RAOT.
This event marked a key milestone in Thailand–China rubber cooperation and strengthened economic ties among Mekong River Basin countries.
