Thailand five-point negotiation framework aims to restructure food and agriculture industries by identifying raw material shortages, reviewing current import tariffs while safeguarding domestic producers, eliminating non-tariff barriers
Thailand’s ongoing negotiations with the United States are progressing positively, as affirmed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during the recent Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh. The Secretary praised Thailand’s outstanding and constructive proposals, describing them as impressive initiatives that could lead to productive trade outcomes.
This encouraging signal follows instructions from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who urged all relevant agencies to align strategies under the “Team Thailand” framework. Jirayu Huangsub, Government Spokesperson, noted that preparations for engagement with the U.S. began early this year, with a national trade policy team established on January 6 to coordinate cross-sectoral efforts.
The Thai delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, has laid out a five-point negotiation framework. It includes restructuring food and agriculture industries by identifying raw material shortages, reviewing current import tariffs while safeguarding domestic producers, eliminating non-tariff barriers to ease business operations, enhancing screening of imported goods to prevent third-party circumvention, and overhauling investment strategies in key sectors like energy and petrochemicals.
The collaboration also includes ministries of commerce, finance, and agriculture, the Board of Investment, and private sector partners such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. The shared goal is to ensure Thailand’s proposals are well-timed, data-driven, and beneficial to all sectors, thereby strengthening the country’s export competitiveness and securing long-term economic partnerships.
