UK and Thailand Forge Agreement for Agricultural Collaboration

• The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and Thailand is intended to enhance agricultural collaboration. 
• This MoU expands upon the robust existing relationship between the two nations, defining shared objectives and initiatives to bolster the significant agri-food trade between the UK and Thailand. 
• This marks a vital progression in advancing agricultural relations and fostering further collaboration between our countries.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom (DEFRA) and the Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperatives of the Kingdom of Thailand (MOAC) formalized their commitment to fostering cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for agricultural collaboration. 

The signing ceremony occurred on 7 February 2023 at DEFRA’s office in London. The event was attended by Lucy Smith, Director General for Strategy of DEFRA, and Mr. Prayoon Inskul, Permanent Secretary of MOAC. The MoU was signed by Tamara Finkelstein, Permanent Secretary of DEFRA, and Mr. Prayoon Inskul.

Both nations will gain from the exchange of visits, information, technology, and training. The agreement will also facilitate collaboration on issues of mutual interest, address priority topics, foster technical cooperation, and promote agricultural trade while reducing non-tariff barriers. 

Conversations between DEFRA and MOAC focused on:

• The importance of the inaugural UK-Thailand Agriculture Dialogue, highlighting the three pillars of cooperation.
• Market Access Interests, emphasizing the value of trade in agricultural goods between the UK and Thailand and the significance of strengthening our agri-trade relationships.
• Areas of future cooperation, investigating additional points of collaboration moving forward.

This MoU lays the groundwork for ongoing collaboration between DEFRA and MOAC at both strategic and operational levels, emphasizing cooperation in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing, agricultural policy, and the reciprocal advantages of such collaboration.