Bangkok: Moving forward with plans to expand the Thai livestock market, the government is accelerating the opening of export markets for 1.2 million head of beef per year. The government is collaborating with leading Chinese enterprises to facilitate this ambitious export initiative.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is committed to broadening the market for Thai agricultural products and enhancing farmers' incomes. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is actively working alongside Thai and Chinese private sectors to create new export opportunities for live cattle from Thailand to China, a major global beef consumer.
In a recent meeting, Mr. Chai Wacharong, Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, joined forces with the Department of Livestock Development, Thai private sector representatives, and leading Chinese companies to discuss and implement a project aimed at exporting live beef cattle from Thailand to China. The objective is to gather 100,000 head of cattle monthly from Thai farmers for sea export, totaling approximately 1.2 million head per year. This initiative is expected to broaden market access and increase the income of cattle farmers across the nation. Plans are also underway to invest in new high-standard slaughterhouses in Thailand, supporting the future expansion of the beef industry.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is monitoring ongoing negotiations with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC). The negotiations have made significant headway, with the number of sanitary and veterinary safety issues reduced from over 40 to just 4 key concerns, paving the way for the official opening of export markets.
Simultaneously, efforts are being made to assess the Bang Saphan port area in Prachuap Khiri Khan province for the development of a large-scale animal quarantine station. This facility will ensure disease screening meets international standards before export, bolstering Thailand's potential as a regional hub for livestock trade.
Currently, China imports around 2.7 million tons of beef yearly, valued at between 675 billion and 810 billion baht, necessitating over 13.5 million live cattle annually. This scenario offers a significant market opportunity for Thai cattle farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives aims to achieve the first export of live cattle from Thailand to China within a year, positioning the Thai beef industry on the global stage.