Thailand´s International Trade Policy

1356 Words3 Pages

I. Introduction Improving the value of exports is the primary goal of Thailand’s international trade policy. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community (AEC) was established as an effective cooperative strategy for gaining market advantages through regional market integration. Thailand aims to capitalize on trade agreements by networking and entering partnership with neighboring countries. Currently, Thailand’s cross-border trade in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) plays a crucial role in globalization, because it facilitates rapid and convenient trade and investment. Countries seek new export markets to disperse the risk of domestic market concentration, as evidenced by the economic recessions affecting many developed countries, such as the United States, Japan, China and various European Union member countries. Thailand must adjust to global economic changes by searching for new markets to increase foreign investment and stimulate the Thai economy. Furthermore, GMS markets might offer a source of production and a channel for product distribution. Recently, the Thai government has focused on developing its cross-border markets, which have continually increased in value. Divided by the Mekong River, the five countries adjacent to Thailand are Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and China. Trade values in the GMS have expanded considerably because the emergence of open economies and the development of economic policies have attracted foreign interests in trade and investment. From the information of Thailand‘s border trade export value with the GMS countries, exports from Thailand used to dominate the GMS countries, particularly Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. Thai export to Myanmar and Lao was around ... ... middle of paper ... ...ached 22%, although the growth rate of exports from Thailand to China was slightly lower at 21% per year. Empirical findings provide a reference for researchers studying Thailand’s international trade position and for investors seeking cooperative opportunities in the AEC. The strategies involved in developing Thailand’s import and export industries have been facilitated through trade agreement activities, such as networking and collaborating with neighboring countries. Thailand has adjusted by improving the ASEAN production base in both labor and technology, and by developing distribution channels through transportation and logistical security in the sample used in establishing new joint ventures in GMS countries to promote participation by all sectors involved in developing visible and tangible policies on the joint study of feasibilities and benefits.

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