Commerce Ministry prepares for AFTA

BANGKOK, 23 December 2009 (NNT) – Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot is preparing to organize meetings prior to the opening of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) to prepare and adjust international business strategies in accordance with geographic and logistic conditions.

Mr Alongkorn on Wednesday had a videoconference session with provincial commerce offices and chambers of commerce to elaborate policies of Thailand for the upcoming effective date of the AFTA on 1 January 2010. According to Mr Alongkorn, Thailand will emphasize on enhancing ASEAN regional cooperation and help achieve the establishment of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

At present, Thailand relies on exports by 72.3% of national Gross Domestic Products (GDP). The deputy minister admitted that adjustment on international trade policies must be made in line with the geographic and logistic condition. He said the adjustments would be presented to the cabinet members accordingly.

Mr Alongkorn also asked provincial chamber of commerce and federation of industries to present opportunities and threats from the effectiveness of the AFTA to the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for further approval of assisting budgets. Weekly video conferences will be convened with all related provincial authorities as well.