Deputy Minister of Commerce, Alongkorn Ponlaboot disclosed that Thailand was ready to sign the ATIGA agreement at the 16th ASEAN Economic Meeting (AEM) Retreat, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia after Philippines gave the green light to allow rice from Thailand to enter the Philippines with a 0% tax privilege. Out of the 367,000 tons, 50,000 tons would be excellent quality rice.

Mr Alongkorn said the ministry would propose such an issue to the cabinet for consideration prior to forwarding it to the parliament.

Meanwhile, Mr Alongkorn continued by saying that a major topic to be discussed in this meeting included the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) as many ASEAN member countries had shown signs of disagreement due to the sensitivity of agricultural and fishery products.

Other pending issues such as the aquaculture investment and plant breeding investment would be brought into discussion as well after it was delayed for approval by the committee of the International Economic Policy. These two issues should have been approved since 1 January, the day the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) was implemented, adding that necessary steps have been taken to speed up the process.