BANGKOK, Sept 22 A top Japanese trade official is seeking Thailand’s support for trade negotiations under the framework of the ASEAN Plus 6 and JTEPA groups.
Deputy Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said Japan’s First Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Daishiro Yamagiwa met her and said that Thailand’s support for resuming trade negotiations under the ASEAN Plus 6 framework would boost trade among the countries in the grouping.
Mr Yamagiwa emphasized facilitating products and product origins. and Ms Apiradi said that Thailand was ready to support such negotiation.
The Japanese vice minister also persuaded Thailand to resume Thai-Japanese trade negotiations under the framework of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).
Negotiations have been suspended for about five years due to unreadiness in both countries, especially their internal political problems.
Ms Apiradi said that resuming trade negotiations could boost Thai-Japanese trade.
The Japanese vice minister expressed concern regarding the status of the present Thai government.
Ms Apiradi said that although her government was not elected, it obeyed laws and had clear guidelines to promote investment.
