Bangkok: Pichai Naripthaphan, the Minister of Commerce, has taken significant strides to enhance Thailand’s export markets by collaborating with both private and public sectors, as well as trade diplomats worldwide. The initiative aims to navigate challenges and implement ten urgent policies that are pivotal for driving international trade.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai convened a meeting with over 200 participants, including the Director of the Office of International Trade Promotion, Ambassadors, and Permanent Representatives of Thailand to major international organizations like the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Key industry players such as the Federation of Thai Industries, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Exporters Council were also present.
Mr. Pichai emphasized the integration of proactive efforts to align government policies with the private sector. The strategic focus is on penetrating five major markets: the United States, India, the Middle East, ASEAN, and China. This includes leveraging soft power to enhance the appeal of Thai products in the high-end market and capitalizing on free trade agreements (FTA) while fostering collaboration between provincial commerce offices and commercial diplomats abroad.
The minister expressed optimism that 2025 could be a landmark year for Thai exports, contingent on effective policy implementation. Key strategies include FTA negotiations with the EU and expanding into new markets in the Middle East and ASEAN, along with promoting the ‘Thai SELECT’ star rating to elevate Thai food standards globally.
Mr. Pichai outlined ten critical policies aimed at transforming current challenges into opportunities. These policies focus on boosting the export market, solidifying Thailand’s global trade presence, and including ongoing negotiations on US tax measures, expediting new FTA agreements, and opening new markets for key agricultural products.
Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, lauded the strategic approaches presented, highlighting the urgency of resolving US tax issues. Mr. Kriangkrai Thienukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries, praised the Ministry of Commerce’s proactive efforts, which have provided clearer planning avenues for the private sector amidst intense competition.
Additionally, Mr. Thanakorn Kaset Suwan, President of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, noted the positive direction of the joint efforts with the Ministry of Commerce, emphasizing the ministry’s readiness to champion international trade.