30 January 2017

News Story: Thailand backs faster conclusion of RCEP negotiations

Bangkok (VNA) – The US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is likely to help the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) wrap up faster than expected, said Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, adding that the Southeast Asian country supports faster conclusion of the regional deal. 

Somkid said the US's exist offers good prospects for the RCEP, which involves Thailand and 15 other countries, to boost trade and investment, making it a potential alternative multilateral trade pact in the absence of the TPP.

He added that although the US withdrew from the TPP, Thailand still can pursue trade and investment talks with the US through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) and the Thailand-US Amity Treaty.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus