Asean and China aim to conclude negotiations on upgrading the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), with the goal of enacting it by the end of this year, according to the Department of Trade Negotiations.Aumaporn Futrakul, deputy director-general of the department, attended the 17th virtual ACFTA Joint Committee meeting on July 23-24, the first such meeting since 2023.
The meeting focused on finalising negotiations on ACFTA 3.0, enabling Asean and Chinese leaders to announce its completion at the upcoming summit in November 2026.
Participants discussed preparations for implementing new commitments under ACFTA 3.0, including digital trade, green trade and supply chain connectivity.
Currently, seven Asean member states, including Thailand, have completed their domestic ratification procedures. After China completes its international process, the protocol will take effect within 60 days.
She said this will enable businesses to benefit from the modernised agreement, which features updated provisions and enhanced trade facilitation measures.
