Thailand promotes the upgrading of ASEAN cooperation and expands FTAs outside the region

According to Thailand's World Daily report on February 21, State Council spokesperson Anucha said that at the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting held in Indonesia, important economic affairs were considered, including accelerating free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. The theme of ASEAN this year is "ASEAN Affairs: The Center of Growth", which aims to promote rapid, comprehensive and sustainable economic growth in ASEAN. Prime Minister Prayut is committed to using all international cooperation to find opportunities and seek the best interests of Thailand. He is ready to promote and support economic affairs that are mutually beneficial to Thailand and the ASEAN region, stimulate market economic activities, and promote Thailand's economic recovery. It is reported that the ASEAN-Canada Trade in Goods Agreement is expected to complete negotiations in 2024, while the ASEAN-China Trade in Goods Agreement and the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement target to complete negotiations in 2025. As for the trade in goods agreement between ASEAN and Australia and New Zealand, a protocol to amend the agreement will be signed this year, which will be Thailand's third agreement, in addition to the current ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement ( RCEP), the form of self-certification can also be used, and various facilitation issues can be considered. In addition, at the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting, other matters were accelerated, including supply chain connections, improving the competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises, digital transformation, sustainable development, reducing inter-regional tax barriers, and expanding cooperation with countries outside the region relationship etc. In addition, it is also planned to establish the RCEP Secretariat to conduct supervision in accordance with the RCEP agreement and create a framework to facilitate ASEAN services, such as the full implementation of electronic certificates of origin of products through the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) system, to facilitate trade, reduce business costs, and promote cross-border trade. border digital trade and promote greater use of electronic documents.