Bangkok: "Pichai" is preparing to bring famous Chinese influencer "Taiyuan Lao Ge", who has over 93 million followers, to live-sell fruit after previously live-selling durian for nearly 1 billion baht in one day. He aims to break a new record and negotiate with the Chinese ambassador to relax and promote durian exports quickly.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, along with Ms. Sunantha Kangwalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, and Ms. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, revealed the progress in promoting Thai fruit exports to the Chinese market by preparing to support live fruit sales activities via Taiyuan Lao Ge, a famous Chinese influencer with over 93 million followers on the Kuaishou platform.
Meanwhile, Taiyuan Lao Ge, who set a record for selling nearly 1 billion baht worth of Thai durian in a single day last year, is preparing to return to live streaming again on May 11-12. The goal is to surpass the previous record by selling a wide range of Thai fruits, including durian, mango, longan, mangosteen, and other fruits to Chinese consumers.
Mr. Pichai stated that promoting online trade through Chinese influencers is a key strategy of the Ministry of Commerce to expand the Thai fruit export market, particularly during this year's production season when the produce is of high quality and has increased significantly. The Ministry has collaborated with private sector partners and Chinese online platforms to support sales promotion activities and enhance the image of Thai quality agricultural products in the global market.
'The Ministry of Commerce will accelerate the policy implementation in accordance with the orders of Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, emphasizing the maximum utilization of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and pushing forward to promote Thai agricultural products to the world market. This initiative aims to make it a prosperous year for Thai farmers through the implementation of 7 measures and 25 plans, covering everything from production, marketing, exports, to processing and trade facilitation, in order to distribute 950,000 tons of fruits this year and maintain price stability in all aspects,' Mr. Pichai elaborated.
Mr. Pichai also mentioned that for durian exports to China during the high yield season, he has been in continuous discussions with Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Ambassador of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to Thailand. The focus has been on exchanging information on the durian export situation. He highlighted that the Chinese government should relax measures to inspect for contaminants and has requested expedited inspections through customs, increased inspection tools and equipment, and more personnel. He was informed that the Chinese government has opened a special lane (Green Lane) and extended operation times, including staffing with experienced officers 24 hours a day to conduct quick inspections. This results in an immediate inspection process upon arrival and immediate release after inspection is complete.