Trade storm brewing: Uyghur deportations threaten EU deal
Thailand’s potential deportation of Uyghurs could throw a spanner into delicate free trade talks with the European Union (EU), sparking fears of an international trade storm.
Concerns are mounting over how these actions might jeopardise Thailand’s economic relationships and its bid to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
A high-stakes meeting convened by the Committee on Economic Development yesterday, March 27, brought together big players, including the foreign and commerce ministries, private enterprises, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and the Federation of Thai SMEs, to dissect the issue.
Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, a People’s Party list-MP and chairman of the committee, voiced alarm before the gathering.
“The deportations might influence Thailand’s international trade relations.”
Though the true impact of the imminent free trade agreement (FTA) remains unclear, apprehension is in the air.
A potential delay in signing this year’s FTA with the EU looks plausible, threatening to derail Thailand’s international trade ambitions. With the looming spectre of a trade war, Sittiphol pressed the government to devise a robust strategy to mitigate fallout if the agreement collapses, reported Bangkok Post.
Despite these threats, TCC representatives remained optimistic. They assured that “Thailand has consistently adhered to international human rights standards” and highlighted efforts over the past decade to tackle global issues like illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Interestingly, recent conversations with international economic bodies downplayed the Uyghur deportation debacle as a non-concern. Deportations, they argued, occur globally, citing the US and Europe, and insisted this matter shouldn’t derail FTA negotiations.
As European ambassadors are invited to discuss the deportation saga, all eyes are on the government to navigate these treacherous waters, maintaining Thailand’s trade momentum and international reputation.
Latest Thailand News
