WTO/FTA咨询网

首页>贸易政策审议 >2007年

来源: 类型:

2007年11月WTO对泰国贸易政策审议-主席总结发言(英文)
TRADE POLICY REVIEW: THAILAND

26 and 28 November 2007

Concluding remarks by the Chairperson




This fifth Trade Policy Review of Thailand has considerably improved our understanding of trade and trade-related policy developments in Thailand since 2003 and the challenges it faces in sustaining, and indeed improving, its economic growth. I am grateful to Ambassador Thawatchai Sophastienphong and his delegation, the Discussant, Ambassador Manzoor Ahmad of Pakistan, as well as Members of the TPRB for contributing to the meeting's useful exchange of views. Thailand's response to the large number of questions is also much appreciated.

Members commended Thailand on its steady and robust economic performance, the decline in the unemployment rate, reduced poverty levels, and also for becoming a more outward-oriented economy. They recognized that its macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong, but also pointed to the challenges posed by endogenous and exogenous factors, notwithstanding the economy's resilience so far. Despite praise for Thailand's generally liberal investment regime, virtually all Members expressed concern over the impact of planned amendments to the Foreign Business Act and drew attention to the need to revive private investment, which had shown signs of weakening, in order to sustain future growth. Concerns were also expressed regarding the concept of “sufficiency economy” in policy making and the existing regulatory burden in certain areas.

Thailand's active role in the multilateral trading system and contribution to the Doha Round negotiations, notably to agricultural trade liberalization, were commended. Several Members recognized Thailand's commitment to “open regionalism” and its involvement in promoting regional trade liberalization through APEC and ASEAN as well as through bilateral free trade agreements.

Some Members observed that Thailand's complex customs tariff schedule and the widening gap between its average bound and applied MFN tariff rates caused uncertainty and unpredictability for its trading partners; thus, they urged Thailand to simplify its tariff and improve its bindings, currently covering 73.7% of the tariff lines. Certain Members commended Thailand for measures taken to improve customs automation and streamline customs procedures. On the other hand, there were some areas of concern, including customs valuation practices and import restrictions involving licensing and prohibitions, where Thailand was encouraged to make improvements.

Several Members commended Thailand's efforts to strengthen protection of intellectual property rights by improving its legal framework and enforcement, although some concern was expressed over the issue of compulsory licences for certain pharmaceuticals. Some Members noted that persistent state involvement in the economy and government procurement constituted important policy instruments. Members applauded Thailand for its efforts to improve transparency.

Several Members encouraged Thailand to further liberalize services, particularly as regards foreign equity participation, and wondered whether liberalization and reforms in certain services activities (e.g., telecoms) would be reflected in Thailand's GATS schedule of commitments.

This Review has been most informative and has afforded many useful insights into Thailand's trade policies as well as the challenges it faces. I would once again like to thank the Thai delegation, the discussant, and Members for contributing to an enlightening two days of discussions. We look forward to receiving Thailand's responses to outstanding questions within the next month.

智能问答