Thailand Pushes For FTA To Reduce Trading Obstacles

[Jai Dee]

Thailand pushes for FTA to reduce trading obstacles

Thailand pushes for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to reduce trading obstacles in the midst of an intense global competition.

Following countries’ measures to make trading even more difficult, Thailand said FTA deals will facilitate trading between countries and will help reduce the barriers in trading negotiation and help foster the bilateral relationship with other countries.

FTA empowers Thailand to negotiation in the global stage, creating the transfer of innovative technology aimed at increasing Thai companies’ potential.

Interested people can ask for further information about FTA at www.thaifta.com or www.dtn.go.th .

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 March 2007

[Old Man River]

Thailand pushes for FTA to reduce trading obstacles

Thailand pushes for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to reduce trading obstacles in the midst of an intense global competition.

Following countries’ measures to make trading even more difficult, Thailand said FTA deals will facilitate trading between countries and will help reduce the barriers in trading negotiation and help foster the bilateral relationship with other countries.

FTA empowers Thailand to negotiation in the global stage, creating the transfer of innovative technology aimed at increasing Thai companies’ potential.

Interested people can ask for further information about FTA at www.thaifta.com or www.dtn.go.th .

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 March 2007

This sounds like a quote from the previous government. However, what the current government most probably is doing is saying something pro-business before the FBA hammer drops.

[Chang_paarp]

I thought that FTA's were responsible for attracting "weird and undesirable" retirees and ugly old men being seen with young women.

[Jai Dee]

FTA Watch demands PM to reconsider JTEPA

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Watch group submitted a document to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, calling for the government to scrutinize the details of the negotiation between Thailand and Japan before the deal will be signed.

FTA Watch representative Witoon Lienjamroon traveled to Government House today (Mar 27) and asked the Prime Minister to reconsider the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) because the deal will affect the agricultural and the public health sectors as well as the general public.

The FTA Watch also presented the black-covered book on the Thai-Japan FTA agreement. The document describes the flawed process of negotiations and contains recommendations to the government. Mr. Witoon said his group will take this matter to the Administrative Court if the Prime Minister still wants to agreement to be sealed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Trade specialist indicates Thailand has already signed free trade agreement with 8 countries

Trade specialist from the Department of Trade Negotiations Anchana Withayathammarat (อัญชนา วิทยาธรรมธัช) indicates Thailand has already signed free trade agreement with 8 countries.

Ms. Anchana says the government has always abided to free and fair trade policy. She said that the government has done indepth research in all free trade agreements as the Kingdom does not want to encounter trade situations adversable to the country.

The completed FTA pacts include Thailand-Australia FTA, Thailand-New Zealand FTA, Thailand-India FTA, and Asean China FTA. He informs the FTA has provided opportunities for trade expansion.

Thailand-India FTA has reduced tax of 82 products, and more products are being negotiated. In addition, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will jointly set up the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) on April 2-5.

Ms. Anchana adds the negotiation with USA will continue after the negotiation is temporarily suspended due to the unreadiness.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Private sector fully supports signing of Japan-Thailand free trade pact

The Joint Private-Sector Committee has supported the government’s decision to sign the Japan and Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), saying Thailand would lose a market share in Japan if the signing was cancelled or postponed.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s dDeputy-Secretary Pornsilp Patcharintanakul said the committee comprising representatives of TCC, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Bankers’ Association had given full support for the signing of the agreement, which is scheduled to take place next week.

It viewed any cancellation or delay in the signing of the pact would make Thailand lose a market share in Japan to trade rivals in ASEAN such as the Philippines and Malaysia, which had already signed the free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan.

In addition, Vietnam and Indonesia, Thailand’s key rivals for farm product exports, are going to sign FTA with Japan soon. So, it is expected more Japanese investors would turn to invest in Vietnam.

Statistics on the Japanese-Thai trade show Thailand’s shipment of products to Japan accounts for 13 per cent of the country’s total exports.

Last year, the export value increased 8.3 per cent to US$16.4 billion. The value is expected to rise 6 per cent to around $17.5 billion this year.

Should JTEPA be already signed, the export value to Japan is likely to increase by over $1 billion or more than that.

Regarding a mounting concern over imports of industrial waste and micro-organism patenting, he said the committee had considered it and viewed it should not be worrying because such activities are regulated by Thai and international laws.

Mr. Pornsilp said the Thai private sector had seen Japan as Thailand’s key trade partner since more than 40 per cent of total investment in Thailand are made by Japanese.

With the signing of the FTA between both countries, more Japanese investors would expand investment in Thailand so that they could ship products for sale in Japan and other countries around the world.

Over the past five years, he said, the private sector had discussed the preparation of JTEPA with the state sector all along and was aware that the deal covers not only import tariff cuts in various product items, but also cooperation in various fields such as economic affairs and human resources development in the science and technology area.

He said industrial operators had already adjusted themselves to boost their competitiveness. Only had some been affected by the signing of JTEPA. But they had around 5-10 years to adjust themselves.

Thai farmers would benefit from import tariff cuts in many product items, such as shrimp, chicken, pineapple, and vegetable, under the agreement.

As Japan imports more than 60 per cent of farm and food products annually, the Thai farmers are set to benefit from the pact.

Overall, he viewed, Thailand would gain more pros than cons from the signing of the agreement. More importantly, it would help stimulate a continued growth of the economy.

Source: TNA - 30 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Civil groups petition Supreme Administrative Court to suspend JTEPA signing

Several civil society organisations led by the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Watch group and Biodiversity and Community Rights Action Thailand (Bio Thai) will petition the Supreme Administrative Court on Friday to temporarily suspend the signing of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).

The move came after the Central Administrative Court rejected the groups’ petition.

Witoon Lianchamroon, director of BioThai, said the court refused to accept the case by ruling that it had nothing to do with the exercise of administrative authority.

So, the groups must rely on the Supreme Administrative Court for a final ruling.

Meanwhile, 12 academics had submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, opposing the signing of JTEPA as they viewed the action as going against the constitution and democratic principles.

One signatory, Charoen Kampeeraphap, Deputy Dean of Silpakorn University, said the signing of JTEPA would obligate Thailand to comply with the written agreement, which is not appropriate if the public does not know the terms of the pact.

The obligation, he said, would cause damage to the country and affect the rights of the people.

He said the government had earlier brought JTEPA for debate only at the National Legislative Assembly.

It failed to seek the NLA’s approval under the Article 12 of the Constitution. So, the signing of JTEPA should be considered unlawful.

As a result, the academics called on the premier not to sign the agreement, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, he said.

Source: TNA - 30 March 2007

[cdnvic]

When are they going to realize that their own xenophobic investment policies are the number one obstacle to trade with Thailand?

[Jai Dee]

JTEPA believed to help expand Thailand's labour market

Labour Ministry affirms Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEP) will help provide more opportunities for Thais to upgrade their skills.

The director of the Overseas Employment Administration Office (OEAO), Mr. Supat Gukun (สุภัท กุขุน), refers to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s schedule to sign JTEP, saying that the agreement benefits Thailand as Thai laborers will be given a chance to pick up some of the skills from the Japanese, such as production and restaurant.

Mr. Supat says Japan has been ranked in the top ten category where Thais work in. He further added that Thailand has authorized an estimated 1000 Thais to work in the labour sector in Japan. He believes the agreement will help facilitate the expansion of laborer market.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Commerce Ministry indicates Thailand may lose benefits if it denies signing in JTEPA

The Commerce Ministry indicates Thailand may lose the opportunity to get tax reduction if Thailand denies signing the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).

Following the non-governmental organization's (NGO) request for the government to revise the details of JTEPA, Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jiraphaet says the decision on whether Thailand will sign the deal depends on Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s discretion. He says if other countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia decide to sign the agreement, Thailand should also sign the agreement to prevent possible lost of benefits.

In response to the claim saying that signing JTEPA by the unelected government might cause negative consequences, Mr. Krirkkrai says no any requirement notes that the unelected government does not have the authority to sign the agreement.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 March 2007

[Prakanong]

When are they going to realize that their own xenophobic investment policies are the number one obstacle to trade with Thailand?

Never ;-)

[chevykanteve]

When are they going to realize that their own xenophobic investment policies are the number one obstacle to trade with Thailand?

Never ;-)

I second that.

[Jai Dee]

JTEPA affirms to expand Thailand's market and investment

Dean of Economics of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce indicates the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) will expand Thailand’s market and investment. He says Thai entrepreneurs should prepare for the coming intense competition.

Following Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s signing in JTEPA yesterday at Japan, Dean of Economics Thanawan Polwichai (ธนวรรธน์ พลวิชัย) says the agreement will facilitate Thailand in penetrating Japan’s market. In addition, Thailand can buy cheaper raw materials from Japan.

However, Thailand is obligated to buy more spare parts and electronic goods from Japan, leading to an increasing deficit from Japan. Currently the deficit is estimated about 400 billion baht per year.

As for the opponents of JTEPA, Mr. Thanawan says the government must expedite to make understanding with people, while revising public’s concern to lay out preventive measures for the possible loss. He adds if the tax reduction causes damage to both countries, the two countries can revoke the previous deal.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister is positive about JTEPA

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thira Sutabutr says the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, or JTEPA, will benefit the agricultural sector of Thailand. He says Thailand has sold 120 billion baht of agricultural goods to Japan annually. At the same time, Thailand has imported only four to five billion baht of Japanese farm products each year. He says this agreement will allow Japan to receive tax exemptions for a few products such as pears and persimmons.

Mr. Thira has signed the agriculture cooperation deal under JTEPA with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. He says the deal will allow Thailand to export various products such as poultry, seafood, and fruits to Japan with lesser or without tax barriers. He says there is a tendency that Thailand will export more fruits and poultry to Japan, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is also finding ways to simplify the trade procedures of Japan.

Mr. Thira says he will have a discussion with the Prime Minister of Japan on the inspection of Thai processed poultry factories so Thailand can export more poultry products to Japan.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 April 2007

[cclub75]

It's very surprising to see that such a major event... draw so little reaction.

A part the 50 members of some "greenist" thai associations... who keep saying like stupid little dirty dolls "FTA is bad because Japan will send us micro organisms and toxic wastes"...

Well... if it's their only reaction regarding the FTA then there is no hope regarding human specie

Anyway.

But yes this is major.

Why ? Because :

-Japan is a major trade partner for Thailand

-Japan is a massive investor in Thailand with many factories and businesses

-And a massive money lender (for large project like Suva airport etc.)

And we have.... no information. I mean precise about the content of FTA.

This text was negociated by Thaksin FOR YEARS. He had problems to sign it.

And now, 6 month after the Coup, the gvt is running to sign it... Strange, non ? Meanwhile, they're speaking about sufficiency economy.

Viva el free trade of course. But because we all know the nature of the thai authorities... this FTA run looks highly suspicious. What do you think ?

Edited April 4, 2007 by cclub75

[hammered]

It is interesting to see so much debate over the Japan FTA. Right now a quick visit to the northern farming regions reveals quite a bit of anger over the China FTA (signed by their earstwhile hero Thaksin) which is forcing farmers further into debt. It does beg the question as to how well thought through these deals actually are in terms of how they will or wont benefit the country and those who live in it.

[Jai Dee]

Anti-FTA activists air their disappointment outside the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 4 April 2007

[ColPyat]

Amazing what a non-elected government can push through when there is no parliamentary opposition...

Weren't the FTA's one of the main policies of Thaksin?

[cclub75]

Weren't the FTA's one of the main policies of Thaksin?

Indeed.

For once, I would be more nationalist than the Thais : I really do believe that the Generals have just, in catimini, sold the country to Japan.

Something is not clear with this FTA. The current gvt has absolutly zero experience (we see it every day) in many fields (except fight against coyotees, alcohool, websites, and increasing their own salaries).

How can they evaluate the effects of this FTA ?

Why such a rush to sign the deal ?

Furthermore, you're right, on an institutional point of view, it's a shame that an interim-coup gvt could commit the country with such a large deal...

Another proof that, from their point of view, they are absolutly not an... interim gvt.

[Jai Dee]

Thailand-India FTA will finalize in July this year

The Department of Trade Negotiation is determined to complete the Thailand-India free trade agreement within this July, with an aim to expand the economy by at least four billion US dollars this year.

The Department of Trade Negotiation Director-General, Ms. Chutima, says Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet together with government officials and representatives from private agencies visited India on April 11th and 12th, 2007. The purpose was to tighten the economic and investment ties between both countries. During the visit, Mr. Krirkkrai met the Indian Commerce and Industry Ministers, and they have agreed to finalize the FTA before the end of this July. They expect the value of trade and investment between both countries will expand by at least 30 percent.

More than 30 Thai private enterprises joined this trip and had an opportunity to meet with Indian businessmen, who showed interests in Thai fruits, food products, and automotive parts.

Ms. Chutima says Thailand is expected to receive 10 to15 million US dollars minimum after the deal has been made.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 April 2007

[0Mix1up]

This "FREE TRADE" agreements seem to be all the rage at the moment

The Australian gov is signing them all over the place and the effects are unknown.

We have one with Thailand and rushing into one with China

Does anyone here know how this has helped both countries?

What are the benefits?

Wheres the opportunities for us to develop?

[cdnvic]

Canada has entered into several, primarily with the US and Mexico, and our trade surplus is now higher, our currency stronger, and our unemployment at the lowest rate in decades.

Then again we do allow people to invest in our economy without putting a ton of roadblocks in the way, and we don't have an unhealthy fear of foreigners. That helps too. In fact, were it not for foreigners coming here to invest their time, money and energy, beaverskin hats and scurvy would probably still be the primary exports.

Edited April 23, 2007 by cdnvic

[Jai Dee]

More 5,000 products under Thailand-India FTA expected to generate 10 US billion dollars into country

The Deputy Director General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), Mr. Chana Khanarattanadirok (ชนะ คณารัตนดิลก), indicates if Thailand secures deals involving 5,000 types of product in the Thailand-India FTA deal, the trade value of the two countries will rise to an estimated 10 US billion dollars within these few years.

The DTN Deputy Director General says Thailand and India had jointly sign FTA pact in the last three years, leading the figures of bilateral trade from 2 US billion dollars to 4 US billion dollars.

As for the different trade regulations of 29 cities of India, the DTN Deputy Director General is confident it will not obstruct Thailand’s export.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

[Rykbanlor]

Amazing what a non-elected government can push through when there is no parliamentary opposition...

Weren't the FTA's one of the main policies of Thaksin?

I seem to recall a few months ago that the current government refrained from getting involved with VAT as it was a long term issue that an interim government didn't need to address ( if indeed I recall correctly ).

So what constitutes short term issues?

[Furbie]

It's very surprising to see that such a major event... draw so little reaction.

A part the 50 members of some "greenist" thai associations... who keep saying like stupid little dirty dolls "FTA is bad because Japan will send us micro organisms and toxic wastes"...

Well... if it's their only reaction regarding the FTA then there is no hope regarding human specie

Anyway.

But yes this is major.

Why ? Because :

-Japan is a major trade partner for Thailand

-Japan is a massive investor in Thailand with many factories and businesses

-And a massive money lender (for large project like Suva airport etc.)

And we have.... no information. I mean precise about the content of FTA.

This text was negociated by Thaksin FOR YEARS. He had problems to sign it.

And now, 6 month after the Coup, the gvt is running to sign it... Strange, non ? Meanwhile, they're speaking about sufficiency economy.

Viva el free trade of course. But because we all know the nature of the thai authorities... this FTA run looks highly suspicious. What do you think ?

Soooo true - and its not just for investment. They are also a major source of easy (though expensive, read the fine print) credit.