CIIE Stories | CIIE Embodies Deep Bond Between Thailand and China
Ms. Prinat Apirat, Consul-General of the Kingdom of Thailand in Shanghai, has a unique perspective on China: both familiar and unfamiliar. She has been posted to China twice, the first time being about 20 years ago in Beijing. In 2023, she came to work in Shanghai. "Returning to China, I am deeply impressed by the rapid development here, especially the astounding progress in the digital sector," said Apirat.
The annual China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai, has become a vital window for her to observe China's development and changes.
The upcoming eighth CIIE will mark her third encounter with the expo and the second time Thailand participates as a guest country of honor at this international event. "The CIIE is an excellent platform for international cooperation and exchange," said Apirat. "It truly embodies China's commitment to economic openness and international cooperation."
ENDURING FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THAILAND AND CHINA
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years, while also remaining the top export market for Thai agricultural products and a significant source of foreign investment. In Apirat's view, the phrase "Thailand and China are one family" accurately depicts the bilateral relationship."We are really just like one family," she affirmed. This profound friendship has borne abundant fruits in the economic and trade sectors.
This close economic and trade linkage is fully showcased on the platform of the CIIE.
TCP Group, a renowned Thai food and beverage company, is a regular participant at the CIIE. Mr. Saravoot Yoovidhya, CEO of TCP Group, said, "we fully utilize the CIIE platform to continuously strengthen communication with various partners and gain deep insights into the development trends of the Chinese market and the beverage industry. The CIIE has not only helped us smoothly transform 'exhibits' into 'commodities', successfully introducing two Red Bull products into the lives of Chinese consumers, but has also witnessed TCP Group's evolution from an 'exhibitor' to an 'investor'." Over the past five years, TCP Group has cumulatively invested over RMB 4.3 billion in China.
A STAGE FOR COMPANIES OF ALL SIZES
As a frequent participant, Thailand's exhibition scale at the CIIE continues to expand. Since the first CIIE, nearly 400 Thai companies have participated, with a total exhibition area exceeding 28,000 square meters. At the eighth CIIE, the total number of Thai exhibitors will reach nearly 100, including about 60 small and medium-sized enterprises in the food and agriculture sectors, compared to around 20 in previous years.
Many Thai companies have used this platform to enter and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, seeking cooperation opportunities. Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group), a long-established Thai company, has been a consistent participant at the CIIE. At the seventh CIIE, CP Group showcased the essence of Thai cultural characteristics and its global business under the theme "Global Trade, World Kitchen" at its 360-square-meter independent booth. A representative from CP Group said, "through the expo, we not only showcased products of global quality but also strengthened our connections with partners, gaining dual benefits of brand exposure and market expansion."
Apirat specifically noted, "CP Group was the first foreign-funded enterprise to enter the Chinese mainland after the reform and opening-up. Its registration number was 0001, which again demonstrates the long-standing nature of Thailand-China relations."
Besides large enterprises, the CIIE provides opportunities equally for all companies, whether they are startups, SMEs, or large conglomerates. Cha Tra Mue, a Thai iced tea brand, for instance, is a success story through the CIIE. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding with China Certification & Inspection Group during the sixth CIIE, it rapidly expanded into many prime locations in Shanghai and other major Chinese cities.
Apirat said that the CIIE presents comprehensive opportunities for Thai companies. "Thai businesses can not only enter the Chinese market but also connect with companies from other countries, gain deeper insights into Chinese consumers and market trends, meet with distributors, and learn more about supply chains and logistics networks. All of these are extremely important for Thai enterprises."
NEW EXPECTATIONS AS A GUEST COUNTRY OF HONOR
Participating as the guest country of honor for the second time at the CIIE holds special significance for Thailand. "We highly value this opportunity," said Apirat. "Being the guest country of honor for the second time not only reflects the deepening trade relations between Thailand and China but also signals that our cooperation is set to reach new heights."
At the eighth CIIE, the Thailand National Pavilion will present the country's image comprehensively through five main parts: tracing the 50-year friendly journey between Thailand and China; promoting high-quality food and agricultural products; displaying innovative lifestyle products; facilitating trade and investment cooperation; and promoting Thai tourism industry. The pavilion will also feature authentic Thai cultural performances, including Khon, a majestic masked dance drama, and Muay Thai or the famous Thai boxing.
Apirat particularly stressed that Thailand will seize the dual opportunities of being a CIIE guest country of honor and the upgraded China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 to explore new areas of cooperation. "This signifies that our trade relations are undergoing a profound transformation, expanding from traditional goods trade to new forms like e-commerce and digital payments."
In Ms. Apirat's view, the CIIE has long transcended its function as a mere commodity trading venue, evolving into a significant platform for the exchange of ideas and mutual cultural learning. She is confident that this open and inclusive stage will continue to bear the profound sentiment of "Thailand and China are One Family," helping to steer the bilateral relationship towards an even broader future.