BANGKOK, 14 February 2013 The Commerce Ministry has expressed its appreciation for France’s support for the negotiations of the Thai-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom revealed on Wednesday that he has recently met with Mrs. Nicole Bricq, France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, who accompanied the French Prime Minister and his spouse in an official visit to Thailand.
Mr. Boonsong also had a meeting with 37 leading French business people, who traveled with the French delegation, during which both sides agreed Thailand and France have long been trade allies and should further expand bilateral economic ties.
In addition, the visiting French investors concurred with the notion that a successful FTA between Thailand and European Union will benefit both nations greatly, in the areas of trade and investment.
The Commerce Minister added that Mrs. Bricq also showed an interest in Thailand’s infrastructural development projects, such as public transport system, satellite, high-speed rail system and the airport expansion.
He stated that France has expressed its support for further negotiations on the Thai-EU FTA, which it suggested should emphasize on balanced trade and investment between both countries as well as the reduction of trade barriers, including the non-tariff ones.
