BANGKOK, Sept 3 — Malaysia and Thailand are on track to reach their US$30 billion (RM121.2 billion) bilateral trade target next year, driven by strong trade performance and progress in the first eight months of 2026.
Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said a series of meetings were held with various parties to facilitate exports and imports between the two countries.
However, product documentation remains a major barrier for Malaysian exports entering the Thai market.
“Therefore, I hope that the relevant Malaysian authorities can assist product manufacturers in preparing the necessary documentation, particularly in terms of product verification and other requirements, for approval, marketing, or entry into Thailand.
“We want to ensure that exports and imports meet the required standards of both countries, while at the same time ensuring that the process does not create unnecessary difficulties for importers and exporters,” he told the media during the Vitafoods Asia 2026 exhibition yesterday.
Zaidi added that technical groups from Malaysia and Thailand will continue discussions to reach an agreement on measures to facilitate bilateral trade.
He also visited several booths operated by Malaysian companies at the exhibition.
The ambassador said that Malaysian participating companies have strong capabilities to produce health and wellness products and can supply products to various international companies because they meet local market requirements.
“There are also companies that have only recently entered the Thai market. Many Thai health-product manufacturers are constantly looking for good sources and quality products and for product development, so I do not think it will be too difficult for them.
“In fact, most Malaysian manufacturing companies are prepared to produce original equipment manufacturer or original design manufacturer products. They can also conduct joint research to develop and manufacture products that meet their market requirements,” Zaidi said.
Vitafoods Asia 2026, running from September 2 to September 4 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, brought together more than 800 companies from 40 countries in the nutraceutical and functional food industries.
