Commerce Minister Urges SMEs to Maximize FTA Benefits

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan led a seminar in Nakhon Phanom on April 28, focused on helping small and medium enterprises leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) amid global trade challenges. Held at the Mekong Heritage Hotel, the event attracted over 150 business representatives from four provinces, aiming to boost local firms’ export competitiveness following recent U.S. tariff hikes.

Key Takeways

• Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan led a seminar in Nakhon Phanom to help SMEs utilize Free Trade Agreements, amid global trade pressures. Over 150 business representatives attended to enhance export competitiveness after recent U.S. tariff hikes.
• Minister Pichai dispelled rumors of export surges due to tariffs, citing consistent growth since PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s tenure. Notable export increases were recorded in late 2024 and early 2025, marking a decade-high growth.
• The seminar, part of a ten-series event, showcased Thailand’s swift FTA with EFTA, boosting exports to Switzerland. Ongoing negotiations with regions like the EU and South Korea aim to expand Thailand’s FTA network, enhancing economic stability.

Minister Pichai addressed rumors about Thailand’s export growth being a rush to avoid tariffs, stating that consistent growth has occurred since Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took office. Export figures rose significantly, with the first quarter of 2025 seeing a 15.2% increase to 81.5 billion US dollars.

The seminar, part of a ten-event series, emphasized the rapid conclusion of an FTA with the European Free Trade Association, boosting exports to Switzerland. Negotiations with the EU, South Korea, the UAE, and ASEAN-Canada are underway, potentially extending FTAs to over 50 countries. Participants were urged to use more domestic raw materials and prepare for new opportunities via a Ministry of Commerce mobile app that consolidates FTA services.

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