Bangkok (People's Daily) - A three-day training program aimed at helping Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) understand Chinese market rules and develop export plans concluded Wednesday in Bangkok.

Expert Wang Yujiao explains strategies for entering the Chinese market to Thai SME participants on the second day of the training program. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

The program, held August 17-19, brought together about 60 participants and covered Chinese import regulations, product and distribution channel analysis, market planning and business networking.

Organizers said about 60 percent of the 18-hour program consisted of practical exercises.

Juthatip Chalermphol, an assistant professor at Chiang Mai University and head of the project, said some Thai SMEs lack detailed knowledge of China's market regulations and current marketing practices.

The training was intended to give businesses practical information and tools for entering and expanding in the Chinese market, she said.

Poon Thiengburanathum, deputy director of the Program Management Unit for Area Based Development, said access to the Chinese market is particularly relevant for Thai businesses in sectors such as agriculture and processed food. Companies seeking to export those products must meet applicable safety and quality requirements, he said.

The training covered Chinese customs rules, product standards, intellectual property protections and registration procedures.

Participants also learned about China's digital economy, consumer trends, cross-border e-commerce, product positioning and logistics.

One session with Alibaba.com focused on business-to-business e-commerce and how Thai companies can use digital platforms to identify potential Chinese buyers.

Other sessions covered selecting target cities, researching Chinese consumers, assessing whether products are ready for the market and using trade shows and business-matching events to find customers.

On the final day, participating companies worked with experts to develop individual export plans covering areas including customs registration, trademark requirements and market expansion.

Each company prepared and presented a 120-day China market action plan and received individual feedback from experts.

Organizers said the program was designed to help Thai SMEs translate information about Chinese standards and market requirements into specific steps for pursuing exports as trade between Thailand and China expands.

The program was organized by Thailand's Program Management Unit for Area Based Development, the Thailand Science Research and Innovation and Chiang Mai University along with other partner organizations.