The 4th Thailand-Bhutan Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting (Ministerial Level) on 28 April 2022. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) and Bhutan’s Minister of Economic Affairs (H.E. Mr. Loknath Sharma) at Dusit Thani Laguna, Phuket. Both sides had a discussion to jointly determine the direction of the trade and investment relationship between Thailand and Bhutan, as well as economic cooperation that will be mutually beneficial for both sides. Key points of discussion are summarized as follows:
     1) Thailand and Bhutan set a new trade target of USD 120 million, or 3,600 million baht, by 2025.
     2) To promote trade and investment between the two sides, Thailand invited businesspersons and entrepreneurs from Bhutan to attend both offline and online trade shows that Thailand will organize, such as The Marche by STYLE Bangkok, which focused on fashion and the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia 2022, as well as the information on business matching activities between businesspersons from Thailand and Bhutan that the Ministry of Commerce will organize between June and July 2022.
     3) Economic cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan, including:
     • agriculture where Bhutan expressed the interest to exports three important produces to Thailand, which are apples, oranges, and potatoes. On this matter, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives was still preparing the results of the assessment of pest-free analysis Meanwhile, Thailand requested Bhutan to support the export of Thai herbs and traditional medicines in the registration process, market opening, and import facilitation. This will create a new target for export and can be considered as opening a new market for Thai herbs and Traditional Thai Medicine.
     • handicrafts, Thailand and Bhutan agreed to extend their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on handicrafts for another 5 years from the expiration date. This will help to promote handicrafts and products made by local communities in both countries on both production and trade.
     • On tourism, Thailand and Bhutan agreed to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism. The Thai side proposed to add an additional agency, namely the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization), or DASTA, and the signing will be between the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) and the Tourism Council of Bhutan, which will focus on the joint creation of the package tours and the emphasis on arts and culture, as well as the way of life in both food and handicrafts, in order to attract tourists from around the world to the two countries.
     4) Discussed the possibility of having a Thailand-Bhutan preferential trade agreement (PTA), which both sides agreed to initiate a discussion on having the PTA.

Discussion between the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum) and the Ambassador of Bhutan to Thailand (H.E. Mr. Kinsan Dorji) on 18 October 2022 at the Ministry of Commerce. The meeting took place to follow up on the progress work in accordance with the outcomes of the 4th Thailand-Bhutan Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting (Ministerial level). Both sides also discussed ways to promote trade and investment between the two countries. The outcomes of the discussion were as follows: Development of a free trade agreement (FTA) or a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Thailand and Bhutan. At the 4th Thailand-Bhutan JTC meeting in Phuket, the two Ministers agreed to initiate the discussion and study the possibility of having a PTA between each other. Nevertheless, Thailand must undergo an internal process before announcing the launch of PTA negotiations. Results from the study will be submitted alongside the proposal to get approval on the negotiation framework from the Cabinet. In the meantime, both sides could begin the exploratory discussion.

The Exploratory Discussion on the Development of the Thailand-Bhutan PTA and Related Activities on 21 - 22 November 2022 in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The meeting was held to develop a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Thailand and Bhutan, as well as related activities. The main outcomes of the meeting were as follows: During the exploratory discussion to develop the Thailand-Bhutan (PTA), both sides exchanged information on the economic and trade situation, the advancement of trade policies, internal procedures and processes for developing PTA, and the expectations for developing PTA between the two sides.

The 2nd Meeting of Thailand-China Sub-Committee on Trade and Investment (via video conference) on 24 August 2022. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Sinit Lertkrai) together with the Assistant Minister of Commerce of China (Mr. Li Fei). Key points of discussion can be summarized as follows:
     1) The development of a new Joint Action Plan under the Five-Year Development Plan on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Thailand and China
     2) Setting trade goals for Thailand and China in the next 5 years and support the organization of promotional activities in China to increase trade value between the two sides
     3) Thailand invited China to invest in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), especially in the new target industries in the EEC;
     4) Thailand requested China to accelerate the purchase of rice and rubber from Thailand in accordance with the contract of sale of agricultural products under the Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and China for Cooperation on Agricultural Products Trade. The Chinese side indicated the readiness to coordinate with the relevant agencies to resolve the problem as soon as possible;
     5) Thailand requested China to consider opening the market for Thai agricultural products to China, including bird's nests, live cattle, passion fruit, dates, and Salak, as well as facilitating the transportation of Thai agricultural products to China, especially fruit products such as durian, longan and mangosteen. In addition, China was also asked to consider relaxing the requirements and regulations under the Chinese National Customs Office on the import-export of food and chemical fertilizer products. China indicated the willingness to solve the problems and stands ready to coordinate with relevant agencies from Thailand.
     6) Thailand expressed an interest to participate in China's space exploration programme, as well as to promote the utilization of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. China indicated the willingness to cooperate with Thailand in the mentioned areas.
     7) Both sides agreed to discuss ways to revitalize tourism after the COVID-19 situation, particularly the consideration of measures related to tourism to build confidence in the safety and public health standards of the Thai tourism industry for both parties.
     8) Promoted cooperation between Thailand and Chinese local governments and on enhancing cooperation and utilization of various benefits under free trade agreements, especially the RCEP and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA).

The 5th Bangkok-Shanghai Economic Conference (via video conference) on 18 August 2022. The Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum) attended the conference which was organized by the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Shanghai, and the Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board. The Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations presented information under the topic “Emerging Trade and Investment Opportunities Arising from RCEP, Perspectives from Policy Makers” and emphasised the importance of China as Thailand’s major trade partner, as well as provided information on the mission and role of the Department of Trade Negotiations on promoting trade and to increase trade value with China through the utilization of free trade agreements that Thailand and China are members, which currently are:
     1) the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).
     2) the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
These agreements provide options for entrepreneurs to make the most of the tariff privileges and the more flexible rules of origin. In addition, importance was also placed on the promotion of tangible economic cooperation between Thailand and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), the cooperation to recover strongly from COVID-19, and the reinforcement of Thailand-China economic relations through the work of the seven Thai Trade Centers under the Ministry of Commerce.

Discussion between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (H.E. Mr. Edward Yau) on 19 May 2022 at the Centara Grand at Central World. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Boonyarit Kalayanamit), the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum), and executives of the Ministry of Commerce were also in attendance. The Thai side proposed 4 issues including:
     1) Promoting exports of Thai products, including rice, plant base meat, and fruits.
     2) Promoting cooperation on digital content and film production.
     3) Promoting investment from Hong Kong in wellness and ageing care services.
     4) Requested Hong Kong’s support on the Joint Statement of APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade and indicated the support for Hong Kong’s application to become a member of the RCEP agreement. In this regard, the Hong Kong side welcomed to support all of Thailand’s proposals, especially on the importation of Thai products, since Hong Kong consumers prefer premium food products, and the cooperation on film production.

The 13th Thailand-India Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting from 19 – 21 April 2023 in New Delhi, Republic of India. The meeting took place with the main outcomes as follows: The Meeting discussed various issues, such as solving the problem of import restriction measure, market access for agricultural goods and livestock, the signing and electronic stamping of the certificate of origin, acceptance of product standards, and economic cooperation (filmmaking and medical tourism). In addition, the main reason that the JTC had not met for a long time was that both countries entered into negotiations on the Thai-India FTA and the ASEAN-India FTA In 2020. The two sides exchanged opinions on reviving the JTC meeting as a mechanism to discuss ways to promote trade and investment and to resolve trade barriers. as well as pushing for economic cooperation between each other.

Discussion between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (Mr. Hagiuda Koichi) on 21 May 2022 at Centara Grand at Central World. Key points of discussion can be summarized as follows:
     1) The initiative on Asia-Japan Investing for the Future (AJIF) is a new investment policy of Japan, which places Thailand as one of the key investment destinations in Asia. The emphasis is on co-creation to achieve sustainable economic and social growth through innovation. Thailand is recognised as one of the target countries in Asia that Japan wants to invest. The Thai side expressed appreciation to Japan for the AJIF policy, in which Japan provided funding for Japanese companies to cooperate with Thai companies in implementing projects related to digital innovation. Thailand also indicated the desire for Japan to make further investments in the country.
     2) On the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Thailand thanked Japan for supporting the RCEP negotiations during Thailand's chairmanship of the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting on the RCEP agreement in 2019 that led to a successful negotiation of the RCEP agreement. The two countries agreed to increase the utilize the benefits of RCEP to further increase two-way trade value within the region.
     3) On the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Japan expressed its appreciation that Thailand has expressed the intention to join in with the statement on IPEF and hoped to have further cooperation to strengthen and sustain the IPEF.
     4) On the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting for 2022, Thailand sought Japan's support for the adoption of the 2002 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Statement.
     5) On other issues, Japan has emphasized the support for Japanese enterprises operating in Thailand. Especially on the importance of human resources development.

Bilateral Discussion between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) and the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (H.E. Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi) on the side of the 33rd APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) on 16 November 2022 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The discussion took place with the following main outcomes: Thailand requested Japan to cooperate on developing the capabilities of the Thai agricultural sector using innovation and digital technology. At present, the Thai agricultural sector exports approximately 3,000 tonnes of fresh bananas to Japan per year, which does not fill the quota of 8,000 tonnes per year, as allocated by Japan under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA). Therefore, Thailand proposed a pilot project to help Thayang Agricultural Cooperative Limited from Phetchaburi to increase production efficiency and export volumes to the Japanese market. A request was made to the Japanese government to help coordinate with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in finding a Japanese private sector entity to assist Thayang Agricultural Cooperative Limited in developing a technology system or a platform to store data on banana planting and harvesting more systematically and accurately. In addition, Thailand also asked Japan to support the bid to host the Special Expo in 2028 in Phuket.

Commercial Attaché from the Embassy of Japan in Thailand (Mr. Sano Shotaro) met with the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum) on 8 June 2023. The outcomes from the meeting were as follows: The two sides discussed Thailand’s current free trade agreements and those in which Thailand was taking part in negotiating for both free trade agreements and international economic cooperation. The Meeting also noted Thailand’s political situation and economic, trade, and investment policies. The aim was to increase trade opportunities and to develop the existing trade agreements between Thailand and Japan to be more efficient.

Meeting to discuss the possibility of launching the negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Thailand and the Republic of Korea between the Director-General of the Department of Free Trade Area Policy, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) (Mr. Ahn Chang-yong) and Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum) between 23-26 August 2023 in the Republic of Korea, The meeting took place with the following key outcomes: The two sides discussed the possibility of having an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Thailand and the Republic of Korea in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Both sides also exchanged views and expectations on the development of an EPA in the future. Thailand viewed that this EPA will help to further open up the market for trade in goods, services, and investment beyond the existing FTA, especially for important Thai products for which the Republic of Korea has not yet eliminated tariffs, such as frozen and processed chicken meat, frozen and processed seafood, etc.

The 4th Meeting of Joint Working Group on Cross-Border Economic Cooperation (JWG-CBEC) Under Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Framework (Via Videoconference) on 19 October 2022. The Meeting discussed an important issue, namely the preparation of a five-year plan of action (2023-2027) for cross-border economic cooperation under the Mekong-Lancang framework. The discussion also included cooperation in the field of cross-border economics. The Meeting agreed that the development of cooperation in the field of cross-border economics contributes greatly to the growth of trade and investment between the member states and attached great importance to the development of special economic zones along the border. This will promote connectivity between member states in the Mekong-Lancang subregion. The member states expressed their gratitude to China for providing budgetary support under the Mekong-Lancang Special Fund (MLC Special Fund) to implement member states’ projects.

The Drafting Session for the Five-year Plan of Action (2023 - 2027) on Cross-border Economic Cooperation Under the Mekong-Lancang cooperation framework via videoconference on 10 November 2022. The meeting took place with the following main outcomes: The 4th Meeting of Joint Working Group on Cross-Border Economic Cooperation (JWG-CBEC) Under Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Framework on 19 October 2022 discussed an important issue, which is the development of a draft plan of action over five years (2023-2027) for cross-border economic cooperation under the Mekong-Lancang cooperation framework. However, the Meeting couldn’t reach a conclusion at that time. 2) China later proposed to hold a drafting session on the five-year plan of action on 10 November 2022 via videoconference among the Mekong-Lancang member states to try to reach a conclusion. During the drafting session to develop the five-year plan of action, most member states adopted a flexible stance to push for a quick conclusion. The Meeting was able to accept proposed amendments/additions from Thai agencies on various issues, such as the overall picture of the trade plan for agricultural products, facilitation of trade of industrial goods, and cross-border economic development. This allowed the Mekong-Lancang member states to reach a conclusion on the draft 5-year plan of action at the said meeting.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Trade Committee between the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the 1st Meeting of Thailand-Mongolia Joint Trade Committee on 5 September 2022, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) travelled to Mongolia to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Trade Committee between the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Co-Chaired with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (H.E. Ms. Battsetseg Batmunkh) at the 1st Thailand-Mongolia JTC Meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Important issues discussed at the meeting were:
     1) On the overview of economic relations, the two countries set a trade target of USD 100 million by 2027.
     2) On promoting trade and investment, especially trade promotion, Thailand invited Mongolian entrepreneurs to attend international trade fairs that are organized annually by the Ministry of Commerce, such as STYLE Bangkok Fair, THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia, and Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair. As for investment promotion, Thailand proposed to organize an investor matching event between Thailand and Mongolia in sectors where both sides have the strong capability.
     3) On the development of the agreement to promote and protect investment, Thailand urged Mongolia to expedite the consideration of the draft Agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection, as proposed by Thailand to promote investment between the two sides.
     4) On the review of the Convention for theAvoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, Thailand urged Mongolia to expedite the consideration of the period for reviewing the draft convention to meet with the international standards and to comply with regulations under the Agreement in which both are parties. Both sides will be ready to review the draft convention in early 2023.

Meeting between the Deputy Governor of the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) (H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz bin Omar Alsakran) and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Keerati Rushchano) as co-chairs of the Economic and Trade Committee Under the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council (STCC), with the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum) and the Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit) also participated in the discussion on 8 August 2023 via videoconference. Key outcomes of the discussion were as follows: The two sides made introductory and congratulatory remarks on the occasion of the establishment of a mechanism for economic and trade discussions. It was viewed the mechanism would be beneficial in driving relationships and cooperation between both sides in various sectors. In addition, Thailand followed up on the progress of the draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Commerce and the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Foreign Trade. Both sides also agreed to support the participation in promotional activities organised by both countries.

The 4th Meeting of Thailand-Sri Lanka Sub-Committee on Trade-Related Matters (via video conference) on 6 May 2022. The meeting was chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (Mrs. Auramon Supthaweethum) and the Acting Director-General for the Sri Lanka Department of Trade (Mr. Ananda Dharmapriya). The meeting followed up on the implementation progress of the Joint Action Plan (JAP) under the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Economic Partnership between Thailand and Sri Lanka covering 10 areas of cooperation, namely investment, basic infrastructure, development of the agricultural sector, fisheries, gems and jewellery, tourism, small and medium enterprises, financial cooperation, packaging industry, and the development of information technology.

Bilateral discussion between the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Boonyarit Kalayanamit) with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Thailand (H.E. Ms. Serap Ersoy) on 13 June 2022 at the Ministry of Commerce. The discussion involved the subject of strengthening economic and trade relations between the two sides, as well as preparing for the 8th Thailand-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The Thai side expressed readiness to host the meeting and pushed for both sides to accelerate negotiations to be able to conclude the FTA negotiations quickly.

Bilateral Meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) and the Minister of State Responsible for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates (H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Seyoudi) on 7 February 2023 at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The meeting took place with the following outcomes: Both sides discussed the development of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between Thailand and the UAE and agreed to create the CEPA. Both sides assigned their respective agencies responsible for negotiating free trade agreements to hold a discussion at the senior official level to expedite the start of the negotiations. For Thailand, it is necessary to receive approval from the Cabinet on the negotiation framework before officially launching the negotiations. The two sides agreed to carry out the relevant internal processes to announce the launch of CEPA negotiations as soon as possible. In addition, the UAE side also expressed an interest in investing in Thailand in the industries of infrastructure, digital, and food security, as well as investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Thai startup businesses that show great potential.

Discussion between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce (H.E. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit) and the Chairman of the Japan-Thailand Trade and Economic Committee Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) (Mr. Suzuki Yoshihisa and Mr. Suzuki Jun) Together with a delegation of 19 leading Japanese private sector representatives from 11 companies on 14 March 2023 at the Government House. The main outcomes were as follows: The two sides discussed the trade situation and strategy between Thailand and Japan. Japan recognised the need to reinforce the supply chain by strengthening trade and economic relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, between Thailand and Japan. Japan also encouraged the utilisation of EPA agreements that Thailand and Japan are both parties to, including 1) The Thailand-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA); 2) The ASEAN-Japan Economic Partnership (AJCEP) agreement; and 3) The RCEP agreement.

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