ส.อ.ท. หารือการดำเนินงานด้านการต่างประเทศภาครัฐ-เอกชนFTI Discusses Government-Private Sector Foreign Affairs Operations

On Monday, September 16, 2024, Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), along with the FTI executive team, presented a congratulatory flower basket to Mr. Maris Sangiamphong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of his royal appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. They also discussed ways to support the foreign affairs operations of the government and private sector at Meeting Room 3, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

FTI presented key issues requiring government support, such as the support for private sector cooperation activities to promote international collaboration, like the economic cooperation framework in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), the academic and economic cooperation framework among seven countries in the Bay of Bengal (BIMSTEC), and the economic cooperation strategy of the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam (ACMECS). Moreover, FTI called for expanding trade opportunities in potential markets through the establishment of free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the ongoing FTA negotiations between Thailand and the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Additionally, FTI requested government support for organizing activities through the cooperative mechanism of business councils at both regional and bilateral levels among the 23 business councils established by the Joint Private Sector Committee of three organizations (Joint Private Sector Committee).

Furthermore, FTI presented the challenges faced by Thai industrial entrepreneurs due to the oversupply of low-cost foreign goods and foreign market dumping, urging the government to take stricter measures to protect domestic entrepreneurs. It also suggested enhancing understanding among nations regarding the impacts experienced by Thai entrepreneurs. Additionally, FTI proposed that the government focus on increasing Thailand's role in global value chains amid geopolitical conflicts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its willingness to accept the proposals and feedback from the private sector to apply in future operations and negotiations for the benefits of Thailand.