Trade talks to-do list

Finally, the government has laid its cards on the table, giving details of the trade proposal it will submit to the US Trade Representative (USTR).

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Yet some offers will raise doubts about their enforceability and impact.

In essence, the list of five proposals illustrates how Thailand will trade, invest, and buy more from the US in a bid to have Washington lower the tariffs on products exported from Thailand. The shopping list of items that Thailand will buy includes energy, petrochemicals, animal feed such as corn and maize, fruit, aircraft, and beef products.

Two issues justify some caution and are worth debate.

The third proposal, entitled “opening the market”, needs more clarification from the government. This offer requires Thailand to reduce trade and non-trade barriers and cut restrictions on items such as cherries, apples, wheat and meat products.