Bangkok: The Department of Foreign Trade has announced progress in their strategic measures to manage the impact of the ongoing trade war, particularly focusing on negotiations with the United States. The department is committed to enforcing strict control over the issuance of certificates of origin and conducting thorough inspections to assure trading partners of the authenticity of Thai goods. The primary aim is to advance negotiations while safeguarding Thailand's interests.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, stated that the department has coordinated with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries to ensure it remains the exclusive authority responsible for issuing Form C/O for exports to the United States. The department is also revising its list of products under scrutiny, increasing from 49 to 65 items, with these changes expected to take effect in July.
The department is collaborating with industrial factories and provincial commerce offices to conduct rigorous inspections and random checks of manufacturing sites, aiming to prevent false claims regarding the origins of goods. This includes compliance checks under frameworks such as the ASEAN Framework Agreement (AWSC), RCEP, the EU's REX System, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with inspections slated to begin in August-September.
Technological advancements are also being leveraged, as the department has implemented the ROVERs PLUS system for paperless origin verification linked to the central government platform. Additionally, development is underway for the e-Trade Remedy platform and an AI system to enhance the efficiency of Safeguard investigations.
Furthermore, the department is working with the private sector to provide seminars and training sessions to improve understanding of rules of origin and the application of trade remedies. Between May and June, five training sessions were organized for exporters, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and academic institutions to ensure readiness for the new system's full implementation.
Ms. Arada emphasized that the overarching goal is to ensure that trade negotiations with the United States progress without negatively impacting Thailand.