New round of EU FTA talks set

The conclusion of the Indonesia-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA) does not affect Thailand’s ongoing negotiations with the EU, with the seventh round of discussions set for the end of this month.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS.

However, Thailand is expected to finalise its FTA negotiations with the BU after the previously targeted date of Dec 25.

Chotima Iemsawasdikul, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), said the Indonesia-EU pact completion does not affect Thailand's negotiations with the bloc.

Typically it takes about two years for an FTA to take effect, as 27 EU members must present it to their parliaments for approval and ratification.

She said a potential benefit for Thailand is it can analyse the details of that agreement and apply those insights to its negotiations.

Ms Chotima said seven of the 24 chapters of the agreement have been concluded. The seventh round of Thailand-EU FTA negotiations are scheduled for Brussels, Belgium, from Sept 29 to Oct 3.