Activities

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid presided over the 4th Thailand – Japan High Level Joint Commission

18/07/2018

The 4th Thailand – Japan High Level Joint Commission was held on 18 July 2018 at Tokyo, with H.E. Mr. Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, together with H.E. Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, presided over the discussion regarding the comprehensive economic strategic cooperation in every aspect.

1.Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP11):Thailand reaffirmsits commitment to join the TPP11 and Japan is ready to support the preparation for the membership of Thailand. Both countries will swiftly conduct technical discussions between the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations and the Japanese head of delegation.

2. Japan – Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA):Both countries emphasizethe importance of JTEPA and commit to complete the general review of the JTEPA in order to enhance the standard of the JTEPA to be the cornerstone of the economic strategic partnership between Thailand and Japan, as well as to benefit both countries and reflect the development of economics and relations between Thailand and Japan.

3. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): Both countries reiterate the vast potential of the RCEP and will work closely to reach a preliminary conclusion on a high standard RCEP agreement based on the joint statement of the RCEP leaders on 14 November 2017.

4. Industrial cooperation for Thailand 4.0 and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Both countries will continue to cooperate in order to enhance the industrial structure including the development of human resources and smart cities under the concept of Connected Industries. Thailand reassures its commitment to the EEC and its support to Japanese investors in the EEC.

5. Railroad cooperation: Both countries are committed to promoting cooperation in the railroad development project in Thailand. Japan is committed to working with Thailand on human resources development in order to support the rail industry in Thailand.

6. Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS): Japanfully embrace the ACMECS Master Plan which Thailand initiated during the 8th ACMECS Summit in Bangkok. Thailandis grateful for Japan’s keen interests to cooperate with Thailand in order to promote the cooperation between the countries in the Mekong region and Japan which coincides with the ACMECS Master Plan, especially the first phases of the implementation that emphasize the development of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) and the South Economic Corridor (SEC). In this regard, both countries will vigorously cooperate in order to promote the connectivity and sustainable development in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

7. Human Resources Development (HRD): Japan is dedicated to cooperate with Thailand regarding HRD under Japan – Thailand Human Resources Development Initiative, especially the development of engineers and technical workforce in specific fields in order to support targeted industries. Both countries reaffirm their commitment towards consistent cooperation to establish the first Japanese-structured institution or “Kosen” in Thailand for the development of engineers and technical personnel.

8. Local Thailand – Japan cooperation: Both countries are grateful for the development of local Thailand – Japan cooperation and will continue to discuss potential fields of cooperation in order to achieve concrete results and benefit both countries, as well as congratulate the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Investment of Thailand and Mie Prefecture.