EU FTA could deliver Thai GDP boostA free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU is likely to stimulate not only exports but imports and investment as well, helping to raise Thailand's GDP by 1.63% a year, says a joint study by the Trade Negotiations Department and the Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD). Thai products likely to feel the pinch from the FTA include sugar, vegetables, fruits and beans. FTA negotiations between Thailand and the EU were put on hold after the 2014 coup and subsequent military rule. The Commerce Ministry through the Trade Negotiations Department has been speeding up studies of the opportunities and challenges in reviving long-delayed trade talks between Thailand and the EU after the EU Council made a statement that the bloc aimed to resume FTA negotiations with Thailand. Bilateral trade between Thailand and the EU totalled US$47.3 billion in 2018, accounting for 9.4% of Thailand's trade with the global market.

Source: Bangkok Post November 21, 2019 23:26 UTC