Dr. Nalini joins APEC Trade Ministers to provide guidelines to advance APEC from economic cooperation to establishing the world's largest Free Trade Area (FTAAP).
Date: May 20, 2024 Dr. Nalini Thaweesin, Thai Trade Representative joined APEC Trade Ministers to present guidelines to advance APEC from economic cooperation to establishing the largest Free Trade Area “FTAAP”. In the world. Emphasizing that Thailand attaches utmost importance to measures to realize the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area negotiations, the afternoon discussed issues of trade facilitation and comprehensive trade. It has been emphasized that online commerce will be an important tool in increasing the income and livelihoods of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. Bilateral discussion with the Canadian Minister of Commerce. Call for investment in clean industries and support Thai soft power
Dr. Nalini Thaweesin, Thai Trade Representative, revealed that he and the APEC Trade Minister discussed ways to move APEC from economic cooperation to establishing the Free Trade Area for Asia and the Pacific (FTAPP) and the goal is to complete the negotiations by 2040. If successful, it will become the largest free trade agreement in the world. . Because the total population is 2,900 million people, or 38% of the world's population. The meeting discussed many issues, such as identifying important issues that should be included in the African Free Trade Agreement (FTAPP), such as government procurement, the environment, in addition to labor and human rights issues. Ways to increase the efficiency of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area in creating a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, inclusive and predictable trade and investment environment were also discussed. He stressed at the meeting that Thailand attaches utmost importance to the processes aimed at achieving the results of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area negotiations. Moreover, Thailand recognizes the importance of strengthening the capacity of economic zones. To accommodate new situations that arise such as weather changes. Gender equality and new infectious diseases
The Thai Trade Representative also revealed that the APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting also discussed trade facilitation and comprehensive trade. The meeting agreed that trade and investment policy should give importance to coverage. In particular, strengthening small, medium and micro enterprises to ensure that the benefits of trade and investment are extended to all citizens. He stressed that online trading will be an important tool in increasing the income and livelihoods of small and medium-sized enterprise owners, allowing them to expand their customer base locally and abroad. It helps create jobs and generate income in the long term, when entrepreneurs are stable and sustainable, they will be able to continue the transition to the formal economy.
The Thai Trade Representative concluded that on the same day he also had the opportunity to discuss with the Minister of Export Promotion. Global Trade and Economic Development in Canada (Mary Ng). He called on Canadian investors to invest in targeted industries in Thailand. Especially clean industries as well as discussing support for Thai soft power, whether it is food or Muay Thai.