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Courtesy Meeting with Minister of Industry - H.E. Prasert Boonchaisuk

Upholding high-level channel of communication between the EABC representing European businesses and Ministry of Industry, this dialogue provided an opportunity for policy discussion on key issues of standards/homologation/conformity assessment under TISI and the BOI’s new investment promotion strategy. EABC expressed its support for policy and administrative continuity under TISI, particularly as the decision-making and approval process made thereunder would affect the business operation. With respect to the BOI’s new strategy, EABC highlighted its key priorities/expectation towards BOI and enquired about the direction and concrete timeframe for the new strategy to take effect. The discussion concluded with a positive note to foster closer cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and EABC. In particular, EABC and respective departments of the Ministry will work together on the organisation of the expert workshop on testing of CO2 emission and excise tax, and to engage more effectively at the operational level as the BOI finalises its new investment promotion strategy.

High-level Discussion with Director General of the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN)

Initiated in view of the upcoming first round negotiation on the EU-Thailand FTA, this high-level dialogue provided an opportunity for the EABC - representing European business interests - to highlight key priorities and expectation towards the FTA. These are in particular in the areas of liberalisation of services, intellectual property rights, removal of non-tariff barriers and mutual benefits from closer trade ties between Thailand and the EU such as on technology transfer, SMEs and strengthening of Thailand’s position in ASEAN. The discussion has also led to better understanding on key technical and administrative issues in terms of practical steps for EABC to effectively engage with the DTN and relevant stakeholders throughout the negotiation process.

DIP Consultation Meeting with the EU Industry on Enforcement on IPR

On 16 January 2013, the Department of Intellectual Property hosted the consultation between Thai law enforcement agencies and EU industry representatives on the improvement of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Thailand.

Courtesy Visit to Social Security Office

 

On 7 January 2013, The EABC delegation led Dr Thavirap Tantiwongse, Chair of the EABC Working Group on Healthcare and Pharmaceutical, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary General of the Social Security Office, Mr Jirasak Sukhontachat. The objective was to share experiences towards the improvement of Thailand’s social security and healthcare scheme. Learning from the EU public private partnership in the provision of effective and efficient healthcare to the workforce bringing in also the private health insurance, this outreach activity should constructively support the SSO as Thailand gears up workforce efficiency ahead of the regional integration and employee migration and the various FTAs. Bringing in European expertise in this regard should strengthen EU business presence in Thailand while also enhancing Thailand’s position as an attractive destination for FDI in the global supply chain.

Meeting with BOI

   
On 11 December 2012, the EABC Delegation led by Vice President Jan Eriksson paid a courtesy visit to the Mr Udom Wongviwatchai,  Director General of the Board of Investment. The main purposes of the meeting were to introduce and establish EABC as a dialogue partner representing unified voice of European businesses in Thailand. Also, to provide for a policy discussion on key development of the investment promotion policy in thailand.

EABC look forward to foster collaboration with BOI in order to strengthen Thailand's competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination in ASEAN.