Bangkok--9 Sep--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
European Businesses Want Increased Transparency, Improved Regulatory Systems and Continued Progress on the Thai-EU FTA
The European business community in Thailand, with the support of the European Union, today launched the second annual European business Position Paper outlining and updating key trade and investment issues and recommendations related to increasing Thailand’s economic competitiveness. Through the European-ASEAN Business Centre (EABC) - the established platform to represent a unified voice of European business, the 2013 Position Paper highlights both improvements that have been made in Thailand regulatory systems as well as areas where more work needs to be done. One of Thailand’s most important steps forward in the last year has been the Thai-EU FTA negotiation process.
The 2013 Position Paper was officially released at an event hosted by EABC President Mr. Rolf-Dieter Daniel, Managing Director of Staedtler (Thailand), and presided over by H.E. Ambassador David Lipman, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand. Also attending the event at the Four Seasons Hotel were over 150 senior Thai government representatives, members of the European diplomatic corps and European and Thai business executives.
The European business community believes that in order for Thailand to reignite its competitive potential a number of issues need to be resolved, including an increase in the transparency of policy making and the application of rules and regulations. There is currently a number of regulatory barriers to increased trade and investment that should be brought down in order for Thailand to compete with Singapore and Malaysia on a more even basis. A key aspect of this recommendation is the liberalisation of Thailand’s services sector which has not kept pace with its regional rivals. Moreover, it is essential to address the looming energy supply challenge by ensuring access to significant new volumes of secure and affordable energy. Solutions to all these issues are available and European businesses are keen to contribute expertise, investment and resources.
“The EU and European businesses have long enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Thailand, which has grown stronger over time,” said, EU Ambassador David Lipman. “The 2013 Position Paper is an important document that can serve as a catalyst for consultations between the representatives of European industry in Thailand and the relevant Thai authorities. It is my hope that these discussions lead to an improved trade and investment regime that generates economic growth and societal progress that benefits both European businesses and the people of Thailand. I am also particularly optimistic regarding the progress being made in the Thai-EU FTA negotiations, with the next round of talks scheduled to take place in Thailand just two weeks from now.”
In addition to identifying major structural issues that need to be addressed, the 2013 Position Paper presents a wide range of sector specific recommendations generated by the nine EABC industry working groups. These recommendations are based on the direct experience of seasoned business leaders in key industries including heathcare, ICT, automotive, insurance, and food and beverages among others. By addressing industry-specific issues Thailand can quickly generate increased trade, investment and the transfer of important skills and technology, which will boost both near-term economic growth and long-term competitive advantage.
“The EABC is very pleased to be able to present the second annual European business Position Paper to interested stakeholders in the business, diplomatic and governmental sectors and hope that it leads to fruitful discussions and progress in realising Thailand’s competitive potential,” said Mr. Rolf-Dieter Daniel, EABC President. “The regional dynamic in ASEAN is changing quickly in the lead-up to the economic integration planned for 2015 and we see each country is working hard to improve its competitive position vis-?-vis the others. Thailand is at risk of being left behind if it does not embrace a more open and transparent trade and investment regime that allows it to attract critical skills, technology and funds that are necessary to long-term growth and prosperity. We hope that this Position Paper helps provide some guidance for policy makers who are charting Thailand’s course in this turbulent period and we look forward to productive consultations on our recommendations in the months ahead.”