On 22 January 2024, H.E. Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, had a meeting with Mr. Dany Lee and Mr. Gavin Jersky from Market Kokoro, Wemaco Holdings ltd, and Mr. Martin Wolter Grossaman from Dingho company. Both are representatives from South African importers of Thai products, especially food and ingredients.
Both sides discussed the potential of South African market, potential Thai products, and ways to expand markets for Thai products, including the challenges for Thai products importers. Both sides also agreed that the establishment of FTA between Thailand and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) would decrease import-export challenges and promote Thai products exportation to South Africa.
Kokoro Market of Wemaco Holdings ltd is a well-known Asian supermarket importing Korean, Japanese, and Thai products with branches in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Dingho company is the biggest Asian food and ingredients importer in South Africa distributing food and products to supermarkets and Asian restaurants across the country.