Thailand to join CPTPP this year

NONTHABURI, March 30 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has ordered the Commerce Ministry to prepare for trade negotiation for Thailand’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). After meeting commerce authorities, Mr Somkid said the Commerce Ministry would prepare comprehensive information to facilitate the negotiation into the partnership from which the United States earlier withdrew. Studies showed that Thailand would benefit from CPTPP and information from the Commerce Ministry would facilitate negotiation on the matter in Japan in the near future, he said. He expected Thailand to join CPTPP within this year to enhance its competitiveness and investment opportunities. Thailand’s CPTPP negotiation would be in accordance with upcoming reviews on the Japan–Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, Mr Somkid said. He added that the Commerce Ministry would also prepare for trade discussions with the US to find new opportunities as the US imposed trade barriers with China.(END)