and Thailand…..window of opportunity?
Finally
after years of hard work and negotiations between two governments who
are trying to embrace each other as closer trading partner, the Thailand
and Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) was finally signed with pomp
and ceremony in Canberra in early May this year.
The Free Trade Agreement that was signed earlier between China and Thailand for fresh produce was strongly criticized by some of those whose interests were affected, while others kept a close scrutiny on the new free trade that were to be signed between Australia and Thailand.
The Free Trade Agreement that was signed earlier between China and Thailand for fresh produce was strongly criticized by some of those whose interests were affected, while others kept a close scrutiny on the new free trade that were to be signed between Australia and Thailand.
Thailand
is actively marketing products in Australia and the Thai government is
supporting a Thai Pavilion at the Fine Food Exhibition in Melbourne this
year. Australia produces a lot of its own products and is also considered
as one of the major exporters of food and services in the world market.
However, there is plenty of room for Thai products in Australian market
as Thai products are deemed as exotic and Australians, with their multi
cultural background always welcomes products from our parts of the world.
Many Thai companies are already exploring areas of opportunities that the signing of TAFTA would bring and many have approached the Australian Trade
Many Thai companies are already exploring areas of opportunities that the signing of TAFTA would bring and many have approached the Australian Trade
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The Thailand and Australian governments were pleased
to see the end result of their hard work after years of negotiations and
document preparation as the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries
did not cover only one area like China’s but it relates to the whole line
of tariffs. On day one when the agreement comes into effect, around 5,000
item tariffs would be reduced to zero.
It was certainly exciting for both Thais and Australians when mangosteens could be exported to Australia even before the agreement comes into effect next year. This is viewed as a good sign as the public are already beginning to see developments in trade relations between the two nations.
It was certainly exciting for both Thais and Australians when mangosteens could be exported to Australia even before the agreement comes into effect next year. This is viewed as a good sign as the public are already beginning to see developments in trade relations between the two nations.
Commission (Austrade) office for advice
on maximizing their opportunities in regards to importing products and
inwards and offshore investments.
There are a number of opportunities for Thai exports into Australia. Among them are fresh produce, garment and textiles, handicrafts and services. Interested exporters should contact the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) in Thailand, as they are actively providing advice and support for Thai exporters.
There is a lot of media on TAFTA in Australia while there are increasing seminars being conducted by various institutions, both private and public, to discuss opportunities for Thai companies from the signing of TAFTA.
There are a number of opportunities for Thai exports into Australia. Among them are fresh produce, garment and textiles, handicrafts and services. Interested exporters should contact the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) in Thailand, as they are actively providing advice and support for Thai exporters.
There is a lot of media on TAFTA in Australia while there are increasing seminars being conducted by various institutions, both private and public, to discuss opportunities for Thai companies from the signing of TAFTA.
| By : Thipwadee Monthaiwong |
| ABAC Alumnus Class 23 |
| Business Development Advisor |
| (Food & Agribusiness), Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) |