Delegates attend the seminar titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities, and Potential in Exporting to the Thai Market’ in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 22, 2025. Photo: P.Q.
The event, titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities, and Potential in Exporting to the Thai Market,’ was hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in coordination with Central Retail Vietnam, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Central Retail Corporation, on Thursday.
“Thailand is Vietnam’s largest trading partner within ASEAN, and Vietnam ranks as Thailand’s second-largest,” said Ho Thi Quyen, deputy director of ITPC.
She noted that the trade relationship has benefited from regional agreements such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), both of which support tariff reductions and regional supply chain integration.
The two countries recently elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, highlighting commitments to three key areas: supply chain connectivity, industrial and local cooperation, and joint sustainable development initiatives.
Ho Chi Minh City, a commercial hub in Vietnam, is positioning itself to facilitate deeper economic engagement with Thailand, Quyen added.
Numerous challenges
Despite the strong foundation, Vietnamese exporters still face significant barriers when approaching the Thai market.
These include technical compliance, packaging and labeling standards, regulatory red tape, and meeting the tastes of a sophisticated consumer base.
Nguyen Thi Bich Van, head of communications at Central Retail Vietnam, said more than 500 Vietnamese companies have introduced their goods to Thai consumers since 2016.
Popular exports include tropical fruits, such as lychees, longans, and dragon fruits—as well as processed foods, coffee, tea, and handicrafts.
However, Central Retail Vietnam officials warned that to succeed, Vietnamese products must compete on quality, price, and presentation.
Ho Thi Quyen, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center, speaks at a seminar titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities, and Potential in Exporting to the Thai Market,’ held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 22, 2025. Photo: P.Q.
Chalermchai Pornsiripiyakool, who leads corporate social responsibility and international affairs at Central Retail Vietnam, emphasized that products must comply with Thai labeling laws and, in the case of fresh produce, meet phytosanitary requirements.
For non-food items, standards set by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute must also be met.
He pointed out that products such as seafood, sweet potatoes, sauces, spices, and coffee hold strong potential, provided suppliers offer clear product information, seasonal promotions, and eco-conscious branding.
Complex procedures, regulatory demands
Importing food products into Thailand also requires approval from the Thai Food and Drug Administration.
Importers must submit product specifications, production certificates, ingredient lists, and, in cases where health claims are made, supporting laboratory tests.
Nguyen Khanh Duy Thinh, Central Retail Vietnam’s government relations manager, outlined a five-step onboarding process for suppliers: document approval, contract negotiation, system entry, order and delivery, and payment.
Vietnam and Thailand reported bilateral trade of approximately $20.26 billion in 2024, a 6.4-percent increase from the previous year.
Vietnam exported $7.81 billion worth of goods, such as mobile phones, electronics, machinery, steel, and agricultural products.
Imports from Thailand totaled $12.45 billion, including vehicles, electronics, and household goods.
In the first quarter of 2025, trade between the two countries hit $5.17 billion, up 8.36 percent from the same period last year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.
Both countries have pledged to raise annual trade volume to $25 billion in the coming time, aiming to close Vietnam’s trade gap and promote a more sustainable and balanced economic partnership.
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