The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom (DEFRA) and the Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperatives of the Kingdom of Thailand (MOAC) have agreed to work together to build cooperation in the field of agriculture. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 7, 2023, at DEFRA’s London-based office. The ceremony was attended by Lucy Smith, Director General for Strategy of DEFRA, and Mr. Prayoon Inskul, Permanent Secretary of MOAC, with Tamara Finkelstein, Permanent Secretary of DEFRA, signing the MoU alongside Mr. Prayoon Inskul.
The MoU is aimed at promoting and encouraging cooperation between the UK and Thailand in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing, agricultural policy, and reciprocal advantages. It provides for exchanges of visits, information, technology, and training, and encourages cooperation on matters of mutual interest and concern. Discussions between DEFRA and MOAC focused on the significance of the inaugural UK-Thailand Agriculture Dialogue, which sets out the three pillars of cooperation.
Market access interests were also discussed, with a focus on the value of UK-Thailand trade in agricultural goods and the importance of strengthening the agri-trade relationship. The two organizations highlighted their interest in promoting agricultural trade and reducing non-tariff barriers. The MoU also explores future areas of cooperation between the UK and Thailand.
This agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the UK and Thailand in the field of agriculture. The exchange of information and technology will allow both countries to benefit from each other’s expertise, which will promote sustainable agricultural practices and increase agricultural productivity. The agreement will also help to reduce non-tariff barriers and facilitate trade, which will benefit farmers and consumers in both countries.
The MoU provides for the continued strengthening of future cooperation between DEFRA and MOAC at the strategic and working levels. This will enable the two organizations to build on the progress made so far and to continue to work together to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector. This agreement is a positive step towards building stronger ties between the UK and Thailand and will help to promote sustainable and productive agriculture in both countries.
The signing ceremony took place on 7 February 2023 at the London-based office of DEFRA. Representing the Departments at the ceremony were Lucy Smith, Director General for Strategy of DEFRA, and Mr. Prayoon Inskul, Permanent Secretary of MOAC. Tamara Finkelstein, Permanent Secretary of DEFRA was the signatory of the MoU alongside Mr. Prayoon Inskul.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
