AKP Phnom Penh, January 30, 2025 —

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has discussed trade expansion with Israel, tabling plans to strengthen economic ties and position Thailand as a key food security supplier. During the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, he met with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, to advance a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhance cooperation in agriculture, technology, and labor. Israel, a highly developed economy with strong technological and agricultural expertise, imports significant amounts of Thai food products, including rice, processed foods, and canned seafood.

Discussions highlighted Israel’s interest in deepening trade relations with Thailand, recognizing its global connections with major economies such as China, the United States, and the European Union. In return, Thailand sees opportunities to benefit from Israel’s technological advancements, particularly in precision farming, aquaculture, and food production. Both countries agreed to establish a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) as a foundation for future FTA negotiations.

Labor cooperation was also an important topic, with Thailand reaffirming its efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Thai workers in Israel. Thai labor plays a crucial role in Israel’s agricultural sector, where the demand for skilled workers remains high. Strengthening protections and support for these workers remains an essential part of trade discussions.

Bilateral trade between Thailand and Israel reached 1.281 billion US dollars in 2024, with Thailand ranking as Israel’s sixth-largest trading partner in the Middle East. Thai exports to Israel totaled 813.26 million dollars, including automobiles, canned seafood, and rice, while imports from Israel amounted to 468.57 million dollars, featuring diamonds, electrical machinery, and fertilizers.

AKP-NNT