Thailand expands FTAs to boost global competitiveness

Thailand is intensifying efforts to expand its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as a core strategy to boost economic growth and enhance its competitiveness in global markets.

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Thailand is intensifying efforts to expand its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as a core strategy to boost economic growth and enhance its competitiveness in global markets.

Deputy Minister of Commerce Suchart Chomklin has highlighted ongoing progress in negotiations with major trading partners to ensure these agreements deliver benefits across key sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services.

According to Suchart, the Department of Trade Negotiations has been tasked with maintaining regular engagement with stakeholders to align these agreements with national economic priorities.

Key updates include the Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA, signed in February 2024 and set to take effect in March 2025. Negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) were completed in late 2024, while talks with Bhutan, South Korea, the European Union (EU), and ASEAN-Canada are

advancing. The government is also exploring new FTAs with countries in Africa and South America to expand opportunities for Thai exports in emerging markets.

To support businesses and the public in leveraging FTAs, the Ministry of Commerce provides comprehensive resources, including the “FTA Choice” mobile application, the Department of Trade Negotiations website (www.dtn.go.th), and the FTA Center located at its headquarters. Additional support is available through the Call Center at 02-507-7555./.

VNA

See more

The article published by Resumen Latinoamericano (Screenshot photo)

Argentine media praises Vietnam’s economic diplomacy efforts

Vietnam continued efforts to connect with global partners, especially those to explore new growth drivers in Latin America, the Middle East-Africa, and G7 industrialised nations via external affairs and diplomatic activities of Party and State leaders, according to local Argentine media.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim at the joint press conference. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on January 10 met with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to the Southeast Asian country, pledging to enhance cooperation in addressing urgent regional and international challenges, including tensions in the East Sea, the Middle East, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Foreign tourists in Thailand. (Photo: seasia.co)

Thai tourism ends 2024 on a high note

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported a strong end to 2024, welcoming 35.5 million international visitors and surpassing expectations.

Cambodia records first death from H5N1 in 2025

Cambodia records first death from H5N1 in 2025

A 28-year-old man from Cambodia's southeast Kampong Cham province died of H5N1 human avian influenza on January 10, becoming the first death in 2025, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Health.

Le Champ Tu Le Resort Hot Spring & Spa in Yen Bai province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, India, Indonesia set for travel “bonanza”

Vietnam, India, and Indonesia are set for a tourism “bonanza” as their middle classes expand and grow wealthier, India’s Economic Times quoted deputy chief executive officer of hotel group Accor SA Jean-Jacques Morin as saying.

Illustrative image (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Myanmar ranks second in Thai condo sales

Thai condo transfers to Myanmar buyers ranked second in the first nine months of 2024, setting a new record last year as the nine-month figure already surpassed that recorded in 2023.

A heavily congested road in Bangkok on January 9, 2025. (Photo: Bangkokpost.com)

Technology helps Thai capital ease congestions

The Area Traffic Control (ATC) technology and other innovations have reduced travel time in busy spots in Bangkok by 25% after two years of implementation, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a joint press conference after talks on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on January 10, 2025. (Photo: Kyodo News)

Japan, Malaysia concur in stepping up security cooperation

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his visiting counterpart Ishiba Shigeru on January 10 agreed to strengthen ties to ensure regional security based on the rule of law and build robust supply chains, seeking to cement their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Mount Merapi emits 17 lava flows with a maximum reach of 1,800 meters on January 4, 2025. (Photo: jakartaglobe.id)

Indonesia issues safety warning as Mount Merapi erupts

Mount Merapi, located near the densely populated city of Yogyakarta, the capital of the Special Region of Yogyakarta in Indonesia, emitted hot lava on January 10, prompting the country's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre to issue a warning for the safety of nearby residents.

The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 23, 2024 (Photo: ANI/VNA)

Indonesia pins hopes on BRICS membership

Amelia Anggraini, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) of Indonesia, has said that Indonesia’s official membership of the BRICS grouping must bring real benefits to its people.

A consumer buys rice at a market in Manila, the Philippines. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Philippines' rice imports hit record high in 2024

The Philippines' rice imports in 2024 rose to a new all-time high of almost 4.7 million metric tonnes (MT) as the country turned to foreign supplies to plug its shortfall in domestic stocks and temper retail prices of the staple.

Malaysia looks to leverage RCEP during ASEAN chairmanship

Malaysia looks to leverage RCEP during ASEAN chairmanship

As the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, Malaysia plans to focus on leveraging the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade agreement now in force.