The Kingdom of Thailand wants to further strengthen its trade and investment cooperation with Senegalese entrepreneurs. It is in this specific context that the Thai Ministry of Commerce and the Thai Trade Center Abuja organized a Thailand-Senegal Business-Matching Forum. This important business matchmaking meeting, which opened this Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Dakar, aims to introduce Thai and Senegalese entrepreneurs to each other, exchange their points of view and discuss possible commercial cooperation. It was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Rutch Soratana, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Senegal, in the presence of Mr. Thum Niemskul, Director of the Africa and Middle East Division; Ms. Kanokpun Phattraprinsiri, Director of the Thai Trade Center Abuja; Mr. Limpanachokchai Yanapol, Chairman of Thailand-South Africa Business Council and Secretary General of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Industry Club; and Mrs. Fatou Fabira Dramé, president of the Bay Sa Warr platform.

Thirteen Thai companies, leaders in their field, presented their expertise and experience

On the occasion, thirteen Thai businessmen from thirteen companies covering three key sectors, namely: agricultural machinery and know-how, machinery for the agri-food industry, and the rice supply chain, met with dozens of Senegalese entrepreneurs, including those from the Bay Sa Warr platform. These companies are: Talaythong Factory Co., Ltd; Muileng Company Limited; STI International Co., Ltd; Tylers Industry Co., Ltd; Easternrice Company Limited; Kamol Industry Co., Ltd; Aroonkrit Supplyier Co., Ltd; Cholburi Mungtong Co., Ltd; Kasetinter Engineering Co., Ltd; CF2 – International Co., Ltd; Golconda Asia Co., Ltd; FNB Machinery & Solutions Company Limited; and finally, Super Products Company Limited.

These Thai companies, leaders in the food processing, packaging and agricultural machinery sectors, all presented their expertise and proven experience throughout the day to participants whose areas of interest are packaging, cosmetics and agricultural machinery.

“Thailand has extensive expertise and proven experience in the agricultural and agri-food sector.”

In his opening remarks at the meeting, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Senegal argued that this meeting reflects his country's recognition of Senegal as "a promising emerging economy in West Africa," which also serves as a gateway to broader trade and investment cooperation in the region and beyond. According to him, Thailand has extensive expertise and proven experience in the agricultural and agri-food sector.

“We welcome thirteen Thai businessmen from thirteen companies covering three key sectors: agricultural machinery and know-how, machinery for the agri-food industry, and the rice supply chain. The Embassy sincerely hopes that the Thai and Senegalese businessmen will take full advantage of this brief time together today to get to know each other, exchange views, and discuss possible business cooperation between the interested parties. I sincerely hope that this will pave the way for concrete partnerships and mutually beneficial business agreements in the near future,” emphasized HE Mr. Rutch Soratana.

He added: "I agreed with His Excellency that the two sides could deepen their cooperation in many areas, including the agricultural sector. Thailand is ready to share its experience and contribute to improving Senegal's food security, as well as to explore trade opportunities in agri-food between the two countries."

According to the diplomat, Thailand and Senegal have long-standing cordial relations. "This year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our partnership is characterized by close collaboration within multilateral bodies, as well as development cooperation. Thailand has offered training, study visits, and capacity-building programs to Senegal, particularly in the areas of agriculture and public health, two areas of crucial importance to our people," said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Senegal.

Despite these fruitful bilateral relations, the diplomat believes that trade between the two countries remains very low. "In 2024, the total value of trade between Thailand and Senegal amounted to US$314.75 million. Thailand's main exports to Senegal include rice, automobiles and their spare parts, steel and steel products, embroidery and lace, and plastic products. Senegal's main exports to Thailand include metal ores and scrap, precious stones and jewelry, silver and gold, fruits and vegetables, as well as animal products such as fresh, frozen, and processed seafood," His Excellency Rutch Soratana immediately informed.

According to him, "there is no direct investment between the two countries to date."

A delegation of Senegalese entrepreneurs invited to Thailand to participate in the Fi Asia Thailand 2025 trade fair

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand also announced that this year, the embassy plans to send a delegation of sixteen Senegalese businessmen and media representatives to Thailand. Among the highlights of this visit is participation in the Fi Asia Thailand 2025 trade fair, which will be held from September 17 to 19 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. According to him, this fair will showcase innovations in the fields of food, beverages, health, and nutrition.

Composed of representatives from five sectors, namely: agriculture, agri-food and food processing, packaging and natural cosmetics, as well as jewelry and accessories, the Senegalese delegation will also meet with representatives of the Thai public and private sectors and visit leading Thai companies in the agri-food, food processing, packaging and agricultural machinery sectors.

Objective: “to strengthen economic ties, create new business opportunities and build lasting partnerships between the two countries”

The Director, Head of the Africa and Middle East Division, Department of International Trade Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand, who led the first-ever delegation of Thai companies to Senegal in the field of agricultural machinery, for his part, returned to the importance of the meeting in a context where the new Senegalese authorities are talking about food sovereignty. "We are here to strengthen economic ties, create new business opportunities and build lasting partnerships between Thailand and Senegal," said Mr. Thum Niemskul.

“Thailand has long been recognized as a leader in the development and production of agricultural machinery. With decades of experience supporting our agricultural sector, the backbone of our economy, our country has acquired unique expertise in manufacturing efficient, robust equipment adapted to varied farming conditions. We believe this expertise can play a significant role in the development of agriculture in West Africa,” he added.

For him, Senegal, thanks to its strategic location, dynamic economy, and ambitious vision for agricultural modernization, is one of the "most promising" destinations for Thai businesses. "We are convinced that our shared commitment to progress and innovation will open up profitable prospects for our two countries," said the director, head of the Africa and Middle East division.