BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan engaged in bilateral talks with trade counterparts from seven APEC economies during the 35th APEC Ministerial Meeting and 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru. Discussions with representatives from South Korea, Hong Kong, Chile, Japan, the United States, Australia, and Canada focused on strengthening trade and investment partnerships. Thailand presented its ambitions to become a hub for advanced manufacturing industries and a vital player in regional supply chains.
The meetings underscored Thailand’s capabilities in emerging industries such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, electronics, and semiconductors. Key economies, including Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., showed interest in Thailand’s investment environment, acknowledging its strategic role in global supply chains. Thailand’s agricultural strength as the “Kitchen of the World” was also highlighted, with growing export opportunities for Thai rice, health-conscious foods, and plant-based products in key markets.
Key discussion points included adapting to Australia’s greenhouse gas regulations, Thailand’s participation in EXPO 2025 in Osaka, and Canada’s plans for a large trade mission to Thailand in 2025. Progress was also made on free trade agreements, advancing negotiations with ASEAN-Canada and Thailand-South Korea, while plans were initiated to revive the dormant Joint Trade Committee with South Korea. Thailand also proposed updates to its agreement with Chile to accommodate shifting trade priorities. (NNT)
