The commerce minister says she hopes the latest round of Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations can resolve the remaining hurdles.
The 10th round of negotiations is being held in Phuket from Sept 28 to Oct 6. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said one-third of the issues remain unresolved, with the main outstanding matters related to agriculture.
Thailand is seeking to diversify its trade, and exports to the EU account for 7-8% of the total, she noted.
Thailand has talked to India about creating mutual benefits in the supply chain rather than focusing on bilateral trade value, said Mrs Suphajee. Although Thailand maintains a trade surplus with India, its exports to India mainly consist of primary goods that feed into India’s supply chains and the country’s exports to global markets.
Thailand’s combined exports to the US and China account for about one-third of total exports. Thailand has a trade surplus with the US, but a trade deficit with China.
Thailand is engaged in trade negotiations with the US and has talked to China about promoting greater use of local content in Thailand.
FLOOD EFFECTS
Massive flooding in many provinces has caused shortages of some consumer goods in stores, particularly ready-to-eat meals.
Mrs Suphajee said manufacturers reported sufficient inventories, but flooding has disrupted logistics, resulting in shortages at some retail stores.
She encouraged people to report abnormal pricing or shortages to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569.
THAI AIRWAYS CARGO
Thai Airways International has cancelled 37 more domestic and international flights scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as it tries to address a massive baggage backlog at Suvarnabhumi airport.
Local media reported the airline’s cargo department announced an embargo from Oct 1-6.
Mrs Suphajee said the Department of International Trade Promotion is monitoring the situation and paying extra attention to agricultural products, which require special handling due to the risk of damage.
The department may coordinate with other airlines to facilitate shipments, though she noted most agricultural products destined for this region are transported by truck or rail, mainly to China.