The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) is adamant to close more free trade agreements (FTAs) with Turkey and Pakistan. It also plans more FTA talks with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) along with ASEAN-Canada deals.
DTN Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum said that the 8th round of FTA talks with Turkey will likely be held sometime between March and April. She stated that establishing markets and ironing out FTA terms are top on the agenda. The department is determined to close the deal with Turkey within this year.
The Director-General said that her agency has already finished drafting FTA terms with Pakistan, while adding that the remaining task is to establish markets there. The department is now in the process of scheduling the next talks with the country.
Additionally, Director-General Auramon said that the next round of FTA negotiation between the ASEAN bloc and Canada will take place soon. The previous round was held last November.
Furthermore, she disclosed that two new FTAs with the European Union and the EFTA are now in the works. The DTN and related agencies are drafting the terms and are in the talking process with their EU and EFTA counterparts. These new FTA negotiation plans will later be proposed to the Cabinet at the end of either the first or second quarter of this year. (NNT)
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