Notice of Intent to enter into negotiations toward a Canada-Thailand free trade agreement

Dear Members of Parliament:

In accordance with the enhanced transparency requirements set out in the amended Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to notify the House of Commons of the government’s intent to initiate negotiations toward a Canada-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with Thailand no earlier than 90 days from the date of this notice.

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing international trade and investment opportunities in order to drive economic growth and create good jobs for Canadians. Accordingly, Canada is working to strengthen trade with reliable partners around the world, and to increase Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets by $300 billion. By pursuing bilateral negotiations with Thailand, the Government of Canada will accelerate Canada’s growing trade ties with this partner and expand Canada’s FTA coverage with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Canada and Thailand enjoy a dynamic and cooperative bilateral economic relationship that is continuing to expand.  Thailand is currently Canada’s second largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $6.4 billion in 2024. Canadian merchandise exports to Thailand were valued at $1.0 billion, and imports at over $5.3 billion. Further, bilateral trade in services totaled $522 million in 2023. In addition, Canadian direct investment in Thailand totaled $531 million in 2024, while Thai direct investment in Canada reached $692 million.  

The Government of Canada will soon initiate public consultations. Canadians will be invited, via a Canada Gazette notice and publication on the Global Affairs Canada webpage, to submit their views on a potential Canada-Thailand FTA and related economic, social, and environmental impacts. Through this process, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and individual Canadians will provide input and feedback.

In accordance with the Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament, Canada’s negotiating objectives for a Canada-Thailand FTA will be tabled in the House of Commons no later than 30 days before Canada commences negotiations with Thailand. Should FTA negotiations be successfully concluded, the government will also table the final agreement and an accompanying economic impact assessment in the House of Commons.

I look forward to working closely and transparently with Parliament in advance of and throughout the negotiations for a Canada-Thailand FTA.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, P.C., M.P.