South Africa and Thailand are taking further steps to strengthen bilateral agricultural cooperation, trade and market access following a high-level meeting between the two countries on 11 August 2026.
H.E. Mr. Darkey Africa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Kingdom of Thailand, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, to discuss opportunities to expand agricultural cooperation and address outstanding market access matters between the two countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding and positive relationship between South Africa and Thailand, with both sides recognising significant opportunities to expand agricultural trade for mutual benefit.
Expanding Market Access for Agricultural Products
A key focus of the discussions was the advancement of market access and the resolution of outstanding regulatory and technical matters affecting agricultural trade.
South Africa highlighted its market access interests in berries, pears and cereals, while discussions also addressed ongoing technical considerations relating to South African beef.
Thailand, meanwhile, identified longan, mangosteen and processed beef as products of interest for enhanced access to the South African market.
The discussions demonstrate the complementary nature of the two agricultural markets and the potential for increased trade in both fresh and processed agricultural products.
Joint Agricultural Working Group Key to Progress
Both sides underscored the important role of the Joint Agricultural Working Group (JAWG) as a bilateral mechanism for strengthening technical cooperation and facilitating progress on agricultural market access issues.
The JAWG provides an important platform for relevant authorities from both countries to engage on technical requirements, regulatory matters and opportunities to remove barriers to agricultural trade.
Continued engagement through this mechanism is expected to support efforts to translate political and diplomatic commitments into practical outcomes for producers, exporters and businesses.
South African Agricultural Delegation to Visit Thailand
The meeting also welcomed the forthcoming visit of a South African agricultural delegation to Thailand from 31 August to 1 September 2026.
The visit will provide an important opportunity for South African officials and their Thai counterparts to continue technical discussions with the relevant Thai authorities and advance outstanding market access matters.
The delegation’s engagement is expected to build on the progress made through bilateral consultations and further identify opportunities to strengthen agricultural trade between the two countries.
Strengthening the South Africa–Thailand Partnership
Ambassador Africa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to continued engagement and close coordination with Thailand, including follow-up with the relevant South African authorities on matters raised during the meeting.
Both sides expressed a shared interest in converting ongoing cooperation into practical and mutually beneficial outcomes, with agriculture remaining an important area for deepening economic relations.
Enhanced agricultural trade could create new opportunities for farmers, exporters, processors and businesses in both countries while contributing to broader economic cooperation.
The latest discussions therefore represent another step towards strengthening South Africa–Thailand agricultural relations, expanding market access and reinforcing the broader bilateral partnership between the two countries.
