Executives from the EU-Asean Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) pay a courtesy call on PM Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House on Thursday. (Photo: Government House)
Thailand aims to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of this year, although differences over agricultural products and raw materials remain unresolved.Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made the remarks on Thursday after meeting senior representatives from European business organisations and more than 40 European companies at Government House.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said Mr Anutin welcomed representatives from the EU-Asean Business Council (EU-ABC), the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), and companies from nine key industries to discuss trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Mr Anutin said European businesses had reaffirmed their interest in expanding investment in Thailand and praised the government's efforts to maintain dialogue with the private sector.
He said Thailand was ready to attract investment, promote tourism and strengthen its role as a regional manufacturing base, while seeking European support to conclude FTA negotiations by year-end.
