Thailand, South Korea begin third round of Economic Partnership Agreement talks
Thailand and South Korea on Tuesday kicked off the third round of their talks for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) aimed at broadening trade and investment exchanges, according to the latter's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The RoK's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in the central city of Sejong. Photo courtesy of Yonhap.
During the three-day meeting in Bangkok, the two sides will discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties in 18 sectors, including services, investment, finance and the environment, it said.
Thailand is South Korea's 18th largest trade partner globally and fifth among Southeast Asian nations.
According to South Korean Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations Roh Keon-ki, his government is currently engaging in trade negotiations proactively with key partners without disruptions.
South Korea will seek to speed up negotiations for an EPA with Thailand, a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to expand trade and investment exchanges with the region and help Korean firms enter markets with strong domestic consumption and growth potential, he added.
An EPA aims to establish a mutually beneficial trade network with partner nations beyond a simple market opening, though it covers a smaller scope compared to a traditional FTA.
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