World

Thailand to speed up FTA negotiations

Thai Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit on August 7 pledged to speed up negotiations on bilateral and regional free trade agreement (FTAs), including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the EU-Thailand FTA.
Thailand to speed up FTA negotiations ảnh 1Thai Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit (R) (Source: VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit on August7 pledged to speed up negotiations on bilateral and regional free tradeagreement (FTAs), including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) and the EU-Thailand FTA.

He affirmed thataccelerating FTA negotiations is one of the top priorities of the commerceministry, stressing those on the RCEP need to be completed within this year sothat the pact can be ratified by the middle of next year.

The next target is torestart the Thai-EU FTA that has been stalled for years because of politicalproblems, he said, adding that FTA negotiations between Thailand and the EU,the country’s third-largest trading partner, have been put on hold for aboutfive years.

Jurin also revealed hehad assigned the officials involved to study the pros and cons of joining theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a newlyformed bloc of 11 Pacific Rim nations excluding the US.

The commerce ministrywill also give priority to other issues, such as ensuring income for farmers inthe fields of palm oil, rubber, rice, tapioca and corn; stepping up the exportof farm products, garments, gems and jewellery; and developing service businesssuch as restaurants, spas and elderly care.-VNA
VNA
#Thai Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit #FTA negotiations #RCEP #FTA #Thailand #Vietnam #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Thailand
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

Cambodia spends over 70 mln USD on coffee bean imports

Cambodia spends over 70 mln USD on coffee bean imports

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the country imports around 10,000 tonnes of coffee annually, mainly from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, France, Italy, the US, Malaysia, Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Australia.

IMF-World Bank meetings give Thailand fresh year-end tourism boost

IMF-World Bank meetings give Thailand fresh year-end tourism boost

The events provide an opportunity to showcase Thai culture, performing arts and attractive destinations to international delegates, especially those visiting the country for the first time. The government hopes these experiences will encourage delegates to return to Thailand in the future, helping to raise the country’s international tourism profile.

A corner of Phnom Penh (Photo: Pexels)

Cambodia optimistic about economic prospects

Cambodia’s national treasury currently held at least 2.5 billion USD in reserves. In the first nine months of 2026, its state budget revenue exceeded 5 billion USD, averaging 500-600 million USD per month.

(Photo: pib.gov.in)

India, ASEAN step up talks to upgrade trade in goods agreement

India and ASEAN signed AITIGA in 2009 to promote trade liberalisation and expand economic ties. However, changes in trade patterns, supply chains and the global economic environment have created a need to update the agreement to reflect current conditions.

Cambodia seeks to improve healthcare quality, support people

Cambodia seeks to improve healthcare quality, support people

Speaking at a ceremony on October 7 marking the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, PM Hun Manet said more than 2.25 million women had benefited from government cash support from pregnancy until their children turn two in the first half of 2026.

Bangkok named world's best city for 2026

Bangkok named world's best city for 2026

Bangkok scored 97.68 points, surpassing Paris of France with 97.14 points and Istanbul of Türkiye with 96.67 points, which ranked second and third, respectively, according to the magazine's latest poll.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the general debate of the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on October 6, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, ASEAN highlight inclusive social development at UN

ASEAN will continue to work closely with the UN under the ASEAN–UN Plan of Action for 2026–2030, helping translate commitments to social development into concrete and sustainable outcomes and bring tangible improvements to people's lives, particularly those of vulnerable groups, Ambassador Do Hung Viet affirmed.

Indonesia expand carbon market incentives

Indonesia expand carbon market incentives

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan outlined three primary sectors open to green investment, including sustainable agriculture through low-emission rice cultivation, waste-to-energy processing, and marine conservation through blue carbon development.