# Commerce Minister Urges SMEs to Maximize FTA Benefits

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/trade/214264-commerce-minister-urges-smes-to-maximize-fta-benefits
- Published: 2025-04-30T23:01:00+07:00
- Author: NNT

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.

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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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