BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana announced that Thailand and the European Union have concluded negotiations on 15 of the 24 chapters of their proposed free trade agreement, bringing the talks to nearly two-thirds completion. The deputy spokesperson stated that the government is expediting discussions on outstanding issues to boost exports, attract investment, and enhance Thailand’s long-term competitiveness. The negotiations aim to establish a comprehensive agreement covering trade in goods and services, investment, government procurement, intellectual property, and sustainable development.
Key issues include market access for goods, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, rules of origin, trade in services, investment, and government procurement. Both sides are working to reach common ground and complete the agreement as soon as possible. The European Union is a key trading partner and a high-purchasing-power market for Thailand. The proposed FTA is expected to lower trade barriers and create new opportunities for Thai agricultural products, food, automobiles, industrial components, and electrical appliances.
The agreement is also expected to attract European investment, strengthen business confidence, and improve Thailand’s competitiveness relative to countries that already have free trade agreements with the EU. The government will continue to advance negotiations while protecting national and public interests. The agreement is intended to generate new trade and investment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth. (NNT)
