Thai Chamber Backs Three Major Trade Deals to Expand Markets and Investment

The Thai Chamber of Commerce is urging the government to accelerate the conclusion of three major trade agreements with the United States, the European Union (EU), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The chamber believes these deals could serve as powerful tools to expand Thailand's export markets, boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology transfer, and more deeply integrate Thai businesses into global value chains. Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, indicated that these agreements have the potential to increase the size of the Thai economy by more than 2% of GDP within three years of their implementation. Regarding the Thailand-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), the Chamber supports accelerating negotiations to provide greater certainty for exporters and investors, particularly concerning tariff rates, rules of origin, trade facilitation, and products requiring special treatment. Ensuring tariff levels that allow Thai products, especially in sectors like agricultural products, processed foods, processed seafood, and premium pet food, to remain competitive against regional rivals is a key focus. Furthermore, the Chamber advocates for attracting major companies into targeted industries such as semiconductors, advanced electronics, digital technology, AI, clean energy, healthcare, and food innovation, coupled with technology transfer, workforce development, and increased participation by Thai companies in supply chains. The Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is entering a critical stage with the 10th round of negotiations scheduled for September 28 in Phuket. Fifteen out of 24 chapters have been concluded, and the Chamber is calling for the resolution of outstanding issues and swift legal scrubbing. The EU is not only a high-income market but also a significant source of investment and technology, and a completed FTA could make Thailand a more attractive production base for companies seeking access to the European market. The FTA is estimated to increase Thailand's GDP by approximately 1.28% and exports by about 2.8%, equivalent to roughly 350 billion baht. The Thailand-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is another priority, with over 80% of negotiations reportedly completed. This agreement is expected to create opportunities for Thai food, halal products, agricultural goods, rubber, textiles, electrical appliances, and vehicles and parts to enter the UAE market. Leveraging the UAE's position as a regional hub for trade, investment, logistics, and distribution, it could also provide Thai businesses with greater access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Attracting UAE investment into Thailand's infrastructure, energy, food, logistics, and future industries is also envisioned. Beyond these three priority agreements, the Thai Chamber is also pushing for faster progress on the Thailand-South Korea CEPA and the ASEAN-Canada FTA, aiming to diversify export markets, reduce exposure to global economic volatility, and create more opportunities for Thai products in high-purchasing-power markets. Mr. Poj stressed that market opening must go hand-in-hand with safeguards for sensitive products, preparation for SMEs, and greater utilization of domestic raw materials, components, and services. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is ready to work fully with the government and the Ministry of Commerce to translate trade agreements into actual orders, investments, employment, and technology in Thailand. The government has also been promoting greater use of existing FTA benefits among Thai SMEs, with Thai exporters utilizing FTA privileges worth US$48.07 billion in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 7.33%. Source: Pattaya Mail