Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand must jointhe Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP), a newly formed bloc of 11 nations in Asia-Pacific without the US, andthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Thai Deputy PrimeMinister Somkid Jatusripitak said on March 22.
IfThailand does not take part in the CPTPP, the country will lose trade andinvestment opportunities, Somkid said, adding that Vietnam is a bloc memberpoised to reap the benefits.
The Commerce Ministry is conducting a study of what Thailand will gain and loseunder the trade deal, he said.
Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong earlier this month said the governmentwould call a joint meeting with all stakeholders before determining Thailand'sstance towards the CPTPP.
TheCPTPP was officially inked at a ceremony chaired by Chilean President MicelleBachelet in Santiago de Chile on March 8.
Trade ministers of 11 countries participating in the trade pact, namelyAustralia, Brunei, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, Peru,Singapore and Vietnam, attended the event.
TheThailand Development Research Institute earlier estimated that joining the RCEPwould boost Thailand's GDP growth by 4.03 percentage points, while localvegetables, processed fruits and food, and electronics appliances would benefitfrom the deal.-VNA