On August 21, 2019, Mr. Boonyarit Kalayanamit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, revealed the outcomes of the first meeting of the Task Force for Trade Situation Response (War Room), established following the resolution of the Joint Public-Private Committee on Commerce (JPC Commerce). The meeting assigned the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) to closely monitor the trade war between the United States and China and to develop a response plan. This plan must address trade diversion, market penetration, exports, international trade negotiations, and investments concurrently.

          Regarding exports, the Department of International Trade Promotion was tasked with evaluating export promotion plans, market promotion, and assisting SMEs. This includes developing strategies for specific products and markets every 3-6 months, fostering close collaboration between the private sector and trade representatives, helping SMEs access new markets, and promoting risk insurance.

          For border trade, the Department of Foreign Trade will drive initiatives using the Border Trade and Investment Promotion Committee, chaired by the Minister of Commerce, to discuss with neighboring countries or relevant agencies and to swiftly unlock regulations or obstacles.

          In terms of trade negotiations, the Department of International Trade Negotiations was designated as the main agency for negotiations, covering Free Trade Agreement (FTA) frameworks and international cooperation at bilateral, multilateral, or regional levels, such as RCEP, Thailand-Turkey, Thailand-Pakistan, Thailand-Sri Lanka, Thailand-European Union, and Thailand-United Kingdom.

          For trade facilitation, the Department of Foreign Trade and OTPS will serve as the central coordinating body to push forward initiatives like completing the National Single Window and connecting it with the private sector's National Digital Trade Platform, as well as promoting the use of local currencies in international trade.

          Regarding laws, regulations, and trade measures, the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Department of International Trade Negotiations, and the Department of Foreign Trade were assigned to monitor and alert on non-tariff barriers (NTBs/NTMs) from ASEAN countries and to address urgent issues, such as trade problems with India, which uses outdated customs codes that do not align with Thailand. Additionally, they will monitor trade issues that may impact Thailand, such as the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (Brexit), which not only pressures the overall global trade economy but also affects Thailand's export structure in both the latter part of this year and in the future.
“I urge each assigned agency to develop short-term plans for 3-6 months and medium-term plans for 1 year, coordinating with relevant agencies and the private sector to ensure that operations can respond quickly and effectively to the current situation. Progress reports should be submitted to the next JPC Commerce meeting by the end of September 2019,” Mr. Boonyarit stated.

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