Exploratory Discussions towards a Canada-Thailand Free Trade Agreement
On March 23, 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand announced that Canada and Thailand will pursue exploratory discussions towards potential bilateral free trade agreement negotiations. Discussions will explore the potential benefits of closer economic cooperation and include consultations with citizens, provincial and territorial governments, and industry. (See News Release: PM announces exploratory talks towards a Canada-Thailand free trade agreement)
Canada and Thailand enjoy a close economic relationship based on 50 years of cooperation. Thailand is Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 2011, annual bilateral trade was valued at $3.5 billion, an increase of 14.8% over the previous year. Canadian businesses are also major investors in Thailand’s rapidly growing economy, investing more than $669 million in 2011.
Consultations
On March 23, 2013, the Government of Canada embarked on a comprehensive consultation process with citizens, provincial and territorial governments, and industry to seek input on a potential free trade agreement with Thailand (see Canada Gazette: Consultations on Potential Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with Thailand).
Related Links
- Thailand Fact Sheet
- Embassy of Canada to Thailand
- Canadian Trade Commissioner Service for Thailand
- Export Development Canada’s Thailand Profile
- Canada’s Global Commerce Strategy
Contact Point
If you have any questions or comments about this initiative we would like to hear from you. Please contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at the following address:
Trade Negotiations II Division (TPW)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-5119
Email: Thailand-Consultations-Thailande@international.gc.ca
