Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement

After we look back on the first 9 months of 2008, we can see that only exporters of processed chicken and seafood products have directly benefited so far from the Japan-Thailand free trade agreement, say experts. Co-operative programs involving various sectors in the two countries have yet to start, said speakers at a Foreign Ministry conference on the first anniversary of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).

Thai meat and seafood exports to Japan rose 36% year-on-year to 30 billion baht in the first nine months of 2008. Processed chicken and fish exporters have eagerly sought to take advantage of the trade pact. Seventy-nine percent of processed shrimp exporters and 80% of black tiger prawn exporters have applied for benefits, Khun Rangsit Phusiripinyo, an official with the Agricultural Fiscal Policy Office, said.
Virachai Vongbunsin, a director with the Thai Board of Trade, said that only 55% of Thai business had sought JTEPA privileges compared 70% seeking benefits under the Thai-Australian FTA.

Paiboon Ponsuwanna, a vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the rules under the Thai-Japan agreement were difficult to understand. He said Thailand should establish a one-stop centre to help businesses affected by the agreement. Vilaivan Tapwongsri, from the Commerce Ministry's Bureau of Trade Preferences, said more businesses should tap the 160 million baht set aside to aid companies affected by the pact.