Thai Trade Representative Pushes for FTA with Kazakhstan and Eurasian Economic Union
Thailand and Kazakhstan agreed to pursue a free trade agreement and strengthen economic ties during talks at the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia event, with plans to establish a joint trade committee in September to facilitate cooperation across rare ea
Thailand's Trade Representative Veerapong Prachabpaisal revealed on May 25 that he held discussions with Bakutuli Bakutnor, Deputy Governor of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan, along with government and private sector officials during Kazakhstan's delegation visit to the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia event. The discussions focused on economic cooperation and strengthening trade relations between Thailand and Kazakhstan.
Thailand and Kazakhstan are prepared to become strategic trade partners amid volatile global economic conditions, aiming to promote comprehensive trade cooperation by linking supply chains not only between the two countries but also across Central Asia, connecting to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Priority areas include rare earth resources, energy, advanced food processing, and high-tech industries such as digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and cloud services.
Both parties agreed to accelerate support for connecting government and private sector entities of Thailand and Kazakhstan to develop cooperation in workforce development, trade information exchange, and business matching. Veerapong invited Kazakhstani business people to participate in Ministry of Commerce trade promotion activities in 2569, particularly the "TILOG Logistix" logistics and cargo management technology exhibition scheduled for August 19-21 and the "Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair" international jewelry exhibition set for September 8-12.
Veerapong stated that both sides agreed to hold the first Thailand-Kazakhstan Joint Trade Committee meeting, expected in September 2569, to serve as a crucial mechanism for driving trade and economic cooperation. This will provide a foundation for advancing cooperation toward a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Kazakhstan expressed readiness to support and encourage EAEU members to expedite FTA negotiations.
During the final discussions, Kazakhstan demonstrated commitment to elevating cooperation with Thailand in innovative agricultural technology development, investment protection measures, and tax and customs cooperation. Kazakhstan is also prepared to expand collaboration in tourism, trade, and services, aiming to establish both countries as a regional economic gateway.
Kazakhstan ranks as Thailand's second-largest trade partner in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and EAEU member countries, and 90th globally. Thailand-Kazakhstan bilateral trade in 2568 totaled $170.43 million, with Thai exports valued at $93.40 million and imports at $77.03 million. Thailand's key exports to Kazakhstan include automobiles and components, machinery and parts, rubber products, refined oil, and jewelry.
