Commissioner Hansen concludes high-level mission to Thailand to deepen EU agri-food and trade cooperation
The mission, held from 25 to 29 May 2026, brought together a delegation of senior representatives from the European agri-food sector. During the visit, Commissioner Hansen met with Thai ministers, public authorities, business leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss bilateral cooperation in agriculture and food, sustainable production, food security, innovation, geographical indications, and market access.
The mission reaffirmed the shared commitment of the European Union and Thailand to advancing sustainable agriculture, promoting innovation, and building resilient food systems, while deepening cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels.
Commissioner Hansen said:
“Thailand is a long-standing and trusted partner of the European Union in Southeast Asia. I was particularly pleased to have engaging exchanges with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Professor Yodchanan Wongsawat, Thai Trade Representative Werapong Prapha, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Watcharaphon Khaokham, Vice Minister for Commerce Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan whom I had the opportunity to meet during my visit to Thailand.
The objective of the mission was to further deepen cooperation in agriculture and food, create new opportunities for businesses and producers on both sides, and support more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
European agri-food products are widely recognised around the world for their taste, quality, safety, and authenticity, and we see significant opportunities to strengthen our partnership in this area. Thailand and the European Union share a common appreciation for good food, and I also had the pleasure of discovering and tasting a number of Thai delicacies during my visit”
EUDEL Thailand
EUDEL Thailand
The mission also underscored the growing importance of trade within the broader EU–Thailand economic relationship. In 2025, the European Union was Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner, accounting for 7.2% of the country’s total trade in goods, while bilateral trade in goods reached €44.3 billion. Within this broader trade relationship, EU agri-food exports to Thailand are valued at approximately €1 billion annually.
Key European exports include dairy products, wines and spirits, meat products, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and processed foods.
The senior representatives’ programme included business matchmaking activities, sectoral exchanges, and networking opportunities designed to foster long-term commercial partnerships and investment opportunities, including participation in THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2026.
The EU Pavilion at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 showcased a wide range of products from across the 27 EU Member States, offering food industry professionals opportunities to discover new flavours, establish partnerships, and explore the added value of European excellence. The pavilion also featured a dynamic programme of cooking demonstrations, tastings, and information sessions.
During the fair, Commissioner Hansen presented a Geographical Indication (GI) Certificate to the producers of ‘Maphrao Namhom Ratchaburi’ (PGI), the latest Thai geographical indication registered in the European Union.
EUDEL Thailand
Background
Commissioner Hansen visited Thailand from 25 to 29 May 2026, accompanied by a high-level delegation of European agri-food companies and organisations.
Thailand is one of the European Union’s key trading partners in Southeast Asia and an important market for European agri-food exports. Negotiations for an EU–Thailand Free Trade Agreement resumed in 2023.
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