Bangkok: Thailand and Malaysia will hold talks on July 1 to resolve trade restrictions on seafood, Thai Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said. Suriya stated that Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security agreed to the meeting in Kuala Lumpur following an official request from Thailand.

According to Thai News Agency, the discussions will focus on seeking a relaxation of Malaysia's suspension of five types of Thai shrimp imports, which took effect on June 1. The two sides will also discuss streamlining inspection procedures for sea bass imported into Thailand from Malaysia.

Suriya mentioned that Thailand aims to ensure smoother aquatic trade based on scientific principles, sanitary standards, and food safety. The ministry has prepared comprehensive technical documents for the talks. Suriya expressed confidence the meeting would ease trade restrictions and quickly normalize Thai shrimp exports, while Thailand also plans to propose shortening inspection times for contaminants in Malaysian sea bass.