Thai Delegation Discusses with French Employers Association, Positioning Thailand as Gateway to ASEAN
Thailand's commerce minister pitched the country as a gateway to ASEAN during talks with French business leaders in Paris, highlighting over 290 French companies already operating there and pushing for a free trade agreement expected to boo
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suthep Thaugsuban made remarks during a breakfast roundtable meeting with MEDEF International at Salon Foch in Paris, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presiding. Suthep noted that this year marks 170 years of diplomatic relations and 340 years of initial contact between Thailand and France, reflecting their enduring friendship and multifaceted cooperation.
In economic and trade matters, bilateral trade exceeded $5 billion annually, with over 290 French companies operating in Thailand and creating more than 45,000 quality jobs. Suthep emphasized Thailand's three guiding principles for strategic partnerships: mutual benefit, high standards and quality, and open and balanced partnerships with all parties. She reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to international standards, transparency, and regulatory alignment, including progress toward OECD membership.
Regarding the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement, Suthep stated Thailand's strong commitment to accelerating negotiations. After nearly two years and eight rounds of talks, the ninth round is scheduled for late June in Brussels. Thailand aims to resolve outstanding issues quickly, projecting the deal could increase bilateral trade by at least 40 percent.
Suthep stressed Thailand's strategic advantages as a "Gateway to ASEAN and Asia," positioned at the center of Asia with key connections along north-south and east-west economic corridors. This makes Thailand an ideal location for foreign companies seeking to expand into ASEAN markets, offering one of the strongest options for French businesses entering the region.
