The Thai ministry of commerce is preparing to wrap up consultations with relevant agencies and organisations across the country on a proposal to resume free trade talks with the European Union (EU). A summary of opinions would be submitted to a committee on international economic policy chaired by deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

Many parties support the resumption of trade talks, but there are concerns over the possible influx into Thailand of products like wine and liquor on a zero-per-cent tariff if a trade pact is signed, said Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the department of trade negotiations.

She said Thailand would meanwhile hold free trade talks with Turkey next month, according to a report in a Thai newspaper.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which represents Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, has yet to be consulted as to whether it wishes to resume talks with Thailand.

Those negotiations have been stalled for more than 13 years since the initial two rounds held in 2005 and 2006.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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