Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Amid the global rise of protectionism and the prioritization of domestic industries, Korea is seeking to diversify its export markets and strengthen the competitiveness of its companies through a bilateral trade agreement with Thailand, one of ASEAN’s largest economies and its most promising markets. The 7th round of official negotiations for the Korea–Thailand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is being held in Seoul from Monday, September 22, to Friday, September 25.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that the negotiations are being led by Noh Geon-gi, Director-General for Trade Negotiations at MOTIE, and Chotima Iemsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations at Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, heading delegations of around 70 officials from both sides.

Since launching the first round last July, Korea and Thailand have held six official negotiations and an intersessional meeting in July this year, maintaining positive momentum in their discussions. In August, the two sides agreed to upgrade the title of the existing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reflecting the expanded scope of economic cooperation under discussion, including supply chains, SMEs, tourism, healthcare, labor, and the environment.

At the 7th round, the two sides will continue discussions across seven areas, including goods, services, investment, digital, finance, and others, with the aim of laying the groundwork for an early conclusion of the negotiations.

Director-General Noh stated, “The Korea–Thailand CEPA, true to its name, will not only expand market access between the two countries but also provide an institutional basis to promote cooperation in a wide range of sectors. The agreement will serve as a driving force to further boost bilateral trade and investment, build a broad foundation for economic cooperation, enhance consumer welfare in both countries, and deliver practical benefits to businesses by strengthening export competitiveness and diversifying overseas markets.”