Thai enterprises call for Government’s consideration of joining TPP
The private business sector in Thailand has urged the Government to consider joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to ensure Thailand’s competitiveness globally.
A worker at an automobile factory in Thailand (Source: Reuters)
The private business sector in Thailand has urged the Government to consider joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to ensure Thailand’s competitiveness globally.
The sector made the appeal on October 6, one day after 12 countries bordering the Pacific Ocean concluded the TPP negotiations to create the world’s largest free trade area.
After a monthly meeting of the joint standing committee comprising the Board of Trade, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA), the meeting’s chairman – Isara Vongkusolkit – said private enterprises expressed concern over the TPP deal since it could affect Thailand’s competitiveness in the future.
The joint standing committee suggested that the Government should urgently consider joining the pact while moving ahead with the free trade talks with the European Union.
He said Thai private firms will set up a working committee to study the impacts and benefits of the TPP and other free trade agreements for the Government’s consideration soon.
FTI Chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said Thailand’s industrial sector is highly concerned about Thai companies’ competitiveness as four other ASEAN states (Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei) have joined the TPP.
TBA Chairman Boontuck Wungcharoen said the country needs to move on with free trade talks to increase its competitiveness and emphasised its position as ASEAN’s centre.
The Thai Ministry of Commerce said the Government is interested in joining the TPP but needs to study the pact carefully before proposing it to the parliament.
The TPP brings together 12 countries, which are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam.
After the signing, the document must receive approval from member countries’ governments and parliaments before taking effect.
Once realised, the TPP will become a free trade region of 800 million people, accounting for 30 percent of global trade and about 40 percent of the world’s economy.-VNA
Thailand is considering joining negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement but needs to further study the pact’s terms and conditions, said Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak.
Thailand’s exports in 2015 are forecast to drop at least 5 percent due to slow global economic recovery and fluctuating exchange rates between the baht and other currencies.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has hailed the recent completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement by 12 member states as a "very big win” for Australia.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
A worker at an automobile factory in Thailand (Source: Reuters)
