Thai government gathering feedbacks on TPP

BANGKOK, January 25 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Commerce, is organising public hearings on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nationwide to study its pros and cons thoroughly before making a decision on whether Thailand should join the newly-set up regional trade bloc. Vice Minister for Commerce Winichai Chaemchaeng told journalists on Monday that a public hearing was first organised last week to gather opinions from academics, business operators, farmers, civil groups and Thai government officials. Winichai noted that last week's session discussed trade liberalization, rules of origin, trade measures, the protection of biological diversity and patents, medicinal product registration, geographical indication, the resolution of disputes between the government and investors, labor and environmental issues. Winichai revealed that participants in the session included representatives of the civil sector, academics, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), the Aids Access Foundation, FTA Watch, the Alternative Agriculture Network, the Thai Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation. The vice minister said most participants called for thorough studies on TPP and its impacts, while also recommending education for small farmers on impacts, rehabilitation measures and preparation for TPP, but there were no concerns on tobacco business because TPP exempts it. According to the vice minister, business institutions, like the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTA), have voiced their support for Thailand’s participation in TPP for national benefits of trade in rice, raw sugar, chilled and frozen shrimps, canned tuna, tapioca, garments, textile, gems, jewelries and medicines, as well as air transport, medical tourism and direct sales. Associations of pig, cow and chicken farmers viewed, on the other hand, that Thailand could not compete in feed costs with major TPP members, like the United States and Australia, and requested efficient rehabilitation. Besides, government officials told the session that the Thai government has not yet changed laws and regulations, improved law enforcement, increased the number of specialists and raised funds for research and development (R&D). The vice minister stated that public hearings in Thai provincial areas will start next month and venues will include Tak, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen Provinces. (TNA)