Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is diligently preparing to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), with efforts underway to expedite discussions across all sectors. The Ministry, in collaboration with the International Institute for Trade and Development (Public Organization) or ITD, the Department of Trade Negotiations, and the Thai Trade Representative, recently organized the “Voice x Vision: Thai-EU FTA in Focus” forum. This event aimed to gather insights from various stakeholders in anticipation of the seventh round of negotiations slated for September, with an objective to finalize the deal by 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, the forum was designed to collect opinions from a broad range of participants, including government officials, private sector representatives, farmers, SME entrepreneurs, civil society members, and academics. The discussions centered on policy issues such as market access for goods, services, and investments, informing Thailand’s strategic approach to future negotiations with the EU.
Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce, emphasized in his keynote address that the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations represent a pivotal mission for the government, given the EU’s stature as a significant and highly standardized economic entity. A successful conclusion by 2025 would signify a landmark achievement for Thailand in the global trade landscape. He highlighted the necessity of addressing challenging negotiation topics such as government procurement, energy, raw materials, and new global trade regulations through collaborative dialogue to achieve balanced solutions. Additionally, he stressed the importance of considering environmental and geopolitical risks, referencing the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025, which identifies climate change as the foremost risk for the next decade. Mr. Chatuporn also tasked commercial diplomats globally with accelerating market exploration and encouraging Thai entrepreneurs to innovate and develop brands that add value.
Mr. Chantawit Tantasith, Deputy Minister of Commerce, remarked that the Thailand-EU FTA effort is not solely a governmental task but requires comprehensive cooperation from all sectors, ranging from upstream to downstream industries. Consequently, the Ministry has appointed ITD as a facilitator to compile proposals and concerns, ensuring that the upcoming negotiations address Thailand’s economic development needs comprehensively and equitably.
Mr. Virapong Prapa, Thailand’s Trade Representative, underlined that the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations would enable Thailand to access new markets amid global trade volatility. However, Thailand must prepare to tackle intricate issues such as intellectual property rights, agricultural imports, and digital trade.
Ms. Chotima Iamsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Negotiations, stated that successful negotiations would provide Thailand with significant benefits by opening access to the world’s third-largest market and attracting investments from the EU and other nations.
Mr. Suphakit Charoenkul, Director of ITD, noted that the Thailand-EU FTA would lower import tariffs, create opportunities in services and investment, and enhance Thailand’s global trade potential. ITD will function as a central platform, gathering opinions and policy recommendations from all sectors to support the forthcoming negotiation round.
The event also included a panel discussion on “Changing the Thai Economy: The Thailand-EU FTA and Strategic Opportunities” and “Fair Trade for a Sustainable Future,” along with focus group sessions to deliberate on three critical topics: government procurement, intellectual property, and energy and raw materials.
Concluding negotiations by 2025 would mark a significant stride in reducing trade barriers, boosting competitiveness, and ensuring sustainable access to the European market. The anticipated benefits would extend to farmers, SMEs, and large corporations, balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.