BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in the Field of Legal Metrology on November 13 to address illegal weighing and measuring instruments, strengthen trade standards, and protect farmers, consumers, and businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei, representing China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), signed the agreement during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Thailand. The signing was witnessed by the Chinese Premier and Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the agreement will strengthen Thailand’s metrology system, especially by addressing illegal measuring devices sold online and improving the accuracy of equipment used in agriculture, consumer trade, and industry.
The MOU covers four areas: joint regulation of illegal measuring instruments, including those exported from China; technology transfer and personnel training; research and innovation in agricultural measurement; and cooperation on international testing and certification standards.
Both countries will exchange technical information and expertise, including certification data under the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) system, and will explore future mutual recognition arrangements to facilitate trade.
This cooperation aims to protect farmers through accurate measurement of agricultural produce, strengthen consumer confidence in product quantities, and help Thai businesses access advanced technology and international standards. The Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Internal Trade, will coordinate implementation with SAMR, focusing on regulatory improvements, technical training, and research collaboration.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that reliable measuring instruments are essential for fair trade and that closer Thailand-China cooperation will support transparency, competitiveness, and long-term economic development. (NNT)
