KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — Thailand is expected to prioritise the upgrading of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga) and the expansion of trade with China and India at the upcoming 31st Asean Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat in Johor.
Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan said the country places great importance on negotiations to upgrade the Atiga and the expansion of trade opportunities with dialogue partners through both the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (Acfta) and the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (Aitiga).
He said this is aimed at further liberalising trade among Asean countries by reducing tariffs, removing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade facilitation.
“Thailand sees this as crucial for enhancing the region's competitiveness and strengthening intra-Asean trade.
“These efforts aim to enhance Asean's trade relations with key partners, particularly China and India, while preparing to face challenges arising from the global economy and trade measures implemented by major trading partners,” he told Bernama in a written interview in conjunction with AEM Retreat scheduled on February 27 and 28 in Desaru.
The AEM Retreat and related meetings will begin with the Asean Senior Economic Officials' Meeting (SEOM) on February 22 and culminate in the AEM Retreat on February 27 and 28.
— Bernama
