Thailand is pursuing enhanced trade and investment opportunities in Argentina, particularly when it comes to exports of automotive and auto parts, food and consumer products.
Pornvit Silaon, deputy director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), held a meeting with Pablo Agustín, Argentina's vice-minister of economy, on Tuesday in Buenos Aires. The discussions aimed to strengthen economic collaboration between the two nations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Argentina expressed its interest in opening its market to Thai agricultural products, especially fruits such as mangoes and coconuts, following its implementation of a free trade policy that has reduced import taxes on items the country cannot produce. The country has allowed a greater quantity of imports to address its inflation problem.
Mr Pornvit said Thailand has to raise awareness of durian among Argentinian consumers while promoting Argentinian agricultural and food products in Thailand and within Asia.
He also invited Argentinian businesses to participate in next year's THAIFEX-Anuga Asia by showcasing Argentina within a country pavilion.
Moreover, Argentinian representatives expressed interest in learning from and sharing experiences with Thailand in the areas of producing and marketing halal products in the global market, given Argentina's status as a significant global producer of food and agricultural products.
A high-ranking Argentinian executive also requested that Thailand consider lowering trade barriers on meat and fishery product imports.
During this visit, the DITP brought along representatives from 40 Thai companies across multiple sectors including automotive and auto parts, construction materials and food to participate in business matching activities with Argentinian importers.
They also held discussions with Gustavo Salinas, president of Toyota Argentina SA, in Buenos Aires, and visited the company's production facility.
Mr Pornvit said Toyota Argentina has imported auto parts and accessories from Thailand to manufacture vehicles locally, which are then exported along with Thai auto parts to other markets within Latin America.
Fourteen Thai companies from the auto and auto parts industry participated in the business matching activities with Argentinian companies during the trip.
Toyota Argentina said Thai producers and exporters are ready to integrate into the company's supply chain.
The DITP also invited Toyota Argentina to attend the Thailand International Auto Parts & Accessories Show in 2027.
In the first six months of this year, trade between Thailand and Argentina totalled UScopy.08 billion with Thai exports accouting for $883 million, a 24.2% year-on-year growth.
Major export products include automotives, auto parts and accessories; internal combustion piston engines and parts; machinery and parts; iron, steel and steel products; and rubber products.
Thailand's imports totalled copy99 million with key products including fresh, chilled and frozen aquatic animals; animal and animal products; plants and plant products; and medicine; thread and fibre.
Source: Bangkok Post
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<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
