Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Parliament Building, has appointed a strategic working group for negotiations with the United States. The group is chaired by Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and includes ministers from six key ministries.
The objective is to integrate operations and drive policy negotiations to lower or keep trade tariffs with the U.S. to no more than 19%. Several issues raised by the U.S. correspond with areas Thailand already intends to improve, such as regulations, law enforcement, and product standards.
Anutin also addressed negotiations on trade tariffs with the U.S. and the swift conclusion of an FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the European Union to lay the foundation for Thailand’s long-term economic, trade, and investment growth. These efforts are crucial over the next four months, as the U.S. is Thailand’s largest export market.
All ministers are urged to direct and instruct participants responsible for negotiations to find solutions and conclude talks in a timely manner, bringing overall benefits to the country, Anutin stated.
Meanwhile, Siripong added that tourism stimulus measures and financial relief for those affected by flood situations have not yet been submitted for Cabinet consideration as they await discussion at the first economic Cabinet meeting today (October 15). The Ministry of Finance will propose these measures as part of a roadmap, with Action Plans to drive the economy during the government’s four-month working period.
Nonetheless, Anutin and Ekniti would like every ministry to formulate their own roadmap and Action Plans.
