Watcharapol met with the Chilean Ambassador to Thailand to expedite opening markets for frozen shrimp and pet food, aiming to reduce the trade deficit and prepare to sign a cooperation agreement to exchange agricultural innovation and technology.
On 12 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Watcharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said after talks with Mr. Álvaro Domingo Jara Bucarey, Chile's Ambassador to Thailand, that the meeting followed up on progress in opening agricultural markets between the two countries. The Thai side urged Chile to speed up opening markets for frozen shrimp and pet food to help reduce the trade deficit. Thai fruits such as longan and mangosteen are nearing readiness for export to Chile, along with efforts underway for poultry and meat products. Meanwhile, Chile confirmed ongoing exports to Thailand, especially pears and blueberries, which are already regularly imported.
Additionally, both sides are preparing to expedite drafting a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation to exchange innovation, research, and technology. Regarding concerns about the impact of natural disasters and flooding on shrimp production, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed its readiness to support farmers to maintain continuous production.
Watcharapol also noted that in terms of bilateral trade balance, pushing to open markets for frozen shrimp and pet food between Thailand and Chile will help reduce the deficit. This is because Chileans consume a considerable amount of shrimp, and Thailand already exports shrimp to nearby regions such as the United States, making this a good opportunity to open a new market for Thai entrepreneurs.