Bangkok: Pichai Naripthaphan, the Minister of Commerce, has initiated a collaborative effort with both private and public sectors to expand Thailand’s export markets, focusing on overcoming current challenges and implementing ten urgent policies to enhance international trade.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai held a strategic meeting with over 200 participants, including directors from the Office of International Trade Promotion, ambassadors, and representatives from the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Federation of Thai Industries, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Exporters Council also attended the event.
Mr. Pichai emphasized the need for a unified approach to drive government policies and foster collaboration with the private sector. The strategy aims to penetrate five major markets: the United States, India, the Middle East, ASEAN, and China. The plan involves leveraging soft power to popularize Thai products in high-end markets, utilizing free trade agreements, and enhancing cooperation between provincial commerce and international trade diplomats.
Mr. Pichai highlighted the potential for Thai exports to thrive by 2025 if the proposed measures, including FTA negotiations with the EU and expansions into new Middle Eastern and ASEAN markets, are effectively implemented. He introduced the “Thai SELECT” star rating as a tool to elevate Thai food to international standards.
The Minister outlined ten policies designed to transform challenges into opportunities, boost market confidence, and strengthen Thailand’s global trade presence. These include maintaining a positive economic trajectory, negotiating US tax measures, expediting FTA agreements with various countries, and promoting Thai agricultural products.
Additional policies focus on improving agricultural product management, enhancing the image of Thai food through the Thai SELECT logo, fostering seamless integration between provincial and international trade offices, and enhancing communication strategies to clarify the Ministry of Commerce’s role.
Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for the Minister’s comprehensive approach, particularly the urgent resolution of US tax issues. Mr. Kriangkrai Thienukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries, praised the Ministry’s proactive efforts, while Mr. Thanakorn Kaset Suwan, President of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, acknowledged the positive direction of the collaborative meeting.