BANGKOK, 22 August 2014 – Thailand is gearing up to further discuss service liberalisation and speed up talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with other ASEAN members during tomorrow’s 46th Asean Economic Ministers’ (AEM) meeting.
The realization of the RCEP and the elimination of non-tariff barriers are some of the key focuses once ASEAN integration becomes fully effective next year. The Ministry of Commerce’s permanent secretary Chutima Bunyapraphasara will represent Thailand at the ACM, which is being held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, from August 23-28.
The ministry said ASEAN ministers will focus on promoting more integration in several sectors. Several agreements on economic integration initiatives will be signed at the meeting which includes an agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Accountancy Services, the Asean Medical Device Directive and an agreement to amend FTAs with Australia and New Zealand.
At the meeting, ASEAN ministers would also look beyond the region’s full integration in 2015.
The session will include other partners such as Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, Korea, and the United States.
