A delegation of seven MEPs from the International Trade Committee will travel to Bangkok, Thailand between 17 and 21 December 2023.
A delegation representing the International Trade Committee, led by the Chair, Bernd Lange, will visit Bangkok and meet with Thai authorities and representatives of European and Thai businesses. This visit follows the recent agreement between Thailand and the EU to restart negotiations on a free trade agreement, which had stalled in 2014. Thailand holds significance as an important trading partner for the EU and a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, and it is important for MEPs to have the opportunity to closely monitor developments on the ground.
The delegation will be led by the Chair of the International Trade Committee (INTA), Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), and will include Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, FI) (INTA standing rapporteur for Thailand and Parliament Vice-President), Iuliu Winkler (EPP, RO), Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (EPP, EL), Margarida Marques (S&D, PT), Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Renew, FR), and Maximilian Krah (ID, DE).
“The delegation’s timing marks the pivotal step of restarting negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand. Leading this initiative as the head of the International Trade Committee, I’m proud to spearhead efforts aimed at strengthening our trade bonds. However, our visit transcends trade talks, it underscores the EU’s deep appreciation for Thailand’s vital role as a regional powerhouse and stabilising force. Central to our visit is bolstering institutional ties through parliamentary diplomacy. It presents a platform for constructive dialogue, sharing best practices, and laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration. Our delegation is also dedicated to aiding Thailand in adapting to the EU’s unilateral trade measures. Recognising the challenges posed, we’re committed to closely working with Thailand to navigate these complexities. Our objective is to ensure mutually beneficial and sustainable trade relations. This visit holds particular importance as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a strategic partner for the EU in Asia. Our focus expands beyond economic alliances to broader regional cooperation. Given Thailand’s dynamic economy and substantial influence in ASEAN, it’s an ideal ally in advancing these inter-regional relations,” Bernd Lange said ahead of the visit.
EU-Thailand negotiations for a trade agreement
The EU and Thailand first launched negotiations for a trade agreement in 2013. These were put on hold in 2014, following the military takeover in the country. The EU and Thailand relaunched discussions for an FTA in March 2023. EU Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis recently told the Trade Committee that the two sides had a “positive kick-off round” in September, which “confirmed our joint commitment to aim for a modern, high quality FTA with sustainability at its core”. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for January 2024 in Bangkok. Trade in goods between the EU and Thailand was worth over €42 billion in 2022, while trade in services was worth over €8 billion in 2020, according to data from the Commission. The EU is Thailand’s 4th largest trade partner. Thailand, the second largest economy in the ASEAN region, is the EU’s 4th most important trading partner in the region. The EU is the 3rd largest investor in Thailand, representing around 10% of total foreign direct investment in the country.
