XI’AN, April 20 (Xinhua) — As Nontipa Kla-ngam approaches graduation, she sees an exciting chance ahead while finalizing her master’s thesis on the free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and China.
“We’re extremely proud of our rice, and I hope more people in China get to enjoy it,” Nontipa expressed.
The FTA allows for duty-free agricultural products, yet the majority of Thai rice available in Chinese supermarkets is still imported through standard channels, missing out on potential savings, she noted. This oversight translates to at least a 20-percent price difference, indicating significant market possibilities.
Nontipa, a Phuket Island native, began her Chinese studies in Bangkok before deciding to pursue further education at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, in 2014.
She views China as a land of opportunity, especially being part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Yangling, historically known as a center of Chinese agriculture, boasts a high-tech agricultural industrial zone, fostering innovations in agricultural practices.
Following the announcement of the China Shaanxi FTZ on April 1, Nontipa quickly explored policies related to agricultural imports. “I’m in the process of publishing a paper on Thai rice. With my understanding of Chinese culture and fluent language skills, I stand to excel in procurement,” she remarked.
“I wish to begin my career here because I know Yangling well. Even if I don’t succeed, I have friends and mentors here to support me,” she added.
The university recently initiated a Silk Road agriculture education alliance with numerous institutions across 12 Belt and Road nations, hosting almost 200 international students. Popular among graduates, many opt to stay in China to gain experience and enhance their future contributions back home, as noted by Zheng.
“I aspire for a career in China. I plan to return to Thailand eventually, but I hope that will be in the distant future,” concluded Nontipa.
Source: www.xinhuanet.com
