Thailand ready to review JTEPA

TOKYO, June 8 (TNA) -- Thailand and Japan have signed many cooperation pacts and discussed economic partnerships including the revision of JTEPA. The development happened during the visit to Japan of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and his economic team. On June 7 Mr Somkid met the delegation of Yoshihide Suga, chief secretary to the Japanese cabinet to discuss comprehensive economic cooperation and sign seven cooperation agreements. Important topics in their meeting included Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor project that expects investment worth US$43 billion in five years in a wide range of infrastructures and new cities. The meeting also discussed the possible revision of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) to shift it from tax reduction to joint digital development. The delegations also addressed the possibility of applying Japanese railway technology to improve Thai railways for regional connectivity. Signed cooperation agreements cover human resource development, information and digital development, trade, satellite technology, tourism, aviation, meteorology and industries. Besides, Mr Somkid said Mr Suga would have relevant officials organize events to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Thai-Japanese trade and investment relations during the Japanese prime minister’s visit to Thailand late this year. (TNA)