China Customs Signs Cooperation Agreements with Thai Counterparts

On February 6, witnessed by the Prime Ministers of China and Thailand, Sun Meijun, Secretary of the Party Committee of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), signed three key agreements with Narueamon Pinyosinwat, Thailand's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Tirat Attanavanich, Director-General of the Thai Customs Department:

1. Protocol on the Export of Thai Agricultural Products to China

2. Framework Agreement on International Trade "Single Window" Cooperation

3. Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) between China and Thailand

Thailand is one of China's most important trade partners in Southeast Asia. China has remained Thailand's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $133.98 billion, an increase of 6.1% year-on-year. Thailand is also China's top agricultural trade partner within ASEAN and the largest source of imported agricultural products. The newly signed protocol on Thai agricultural exports is expected to further enhance bilateral trade growth.

The China-Thailand International Trade "Single Window" Framework Agreement sets out cooperation objectives, principles, and methods for customs collaboration. Both sides will promote the digital exchange and interoperability of trade documents based on international standards, facilitating faster and more efficient trade operations. Under this agreement, the two countries will establish a working mechanism, conduct technical consultations, and share best practices to further support the sustainable growth of bilateral trade.

The China-Thailand AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) is China's first AEO agreement signed in 2024. Under this arrangement, AEO-certified enterprises in both countries will benefit from expedited customs clearance, priority inspections, and reduced logistics costs, fostering greater trade efficiency and supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

As of now, China has signed AEO MRAs with 31 economies, covering 57 countries and regions, including Singapore, the EU, and South Africa. The number of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries under AEO agreements has increased to 38, making China the global leader in both the number of AEO MRAs signed and the number of participating countries.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, also known as the "Golden 50th Anniversary of China-Thailand Friendship." Moving forward, China Customs will enhance technical cooperation with Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Thai Customs, further promoting customs facilitation and agricultural trade cooperation. These efforts will help elevate China-Thailand bilateral trade to new heights.