Swiss President Guy Parmelin met Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Thursday, 15 October, during his official visit to Thailand. According to the press release published by SECO, the talks covered bilateral relations, the free trade agreement negotiated between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Thailand, and current international affairs.

A negotiated EFTA agreement, not yet in force

The press release describes the free trade agreement between EFTA and Thailand as a “key factor” in deepening economic relations between the two countries. It presents it as a “negotiated” agreement. The two heads of government discussed the steps still to be taken before it enters into force and how best to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

The text is, however, silent on several points. It does not detail the content of the agreement, whether customs duties, rules of origin or other provisions. Nor does it specify where signature and ratification stand, or when the agreement might enter into force. At this stage, all that is known is that negotiations have been concluded and that steps remain to be completed. It would be premature to draw any conclusions about a timetable.

Sectors identified for Swiss exports

According to SECO, the two sides identified potential in several sectors, in particular:

  • manufacturing and automation;
  • digital technologies and infrastructure;
  • sustainable technologies.

A Swiss business delegation is accompanying the President on his visits to Thailand and Vietnam, the press release states. It does not, however, give any figures on trade between Switzerland and Thailand.

On climate, Guy Parmelin highlighted Switzerland’s interest in investing in Thailand to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as part of the cooperation provided for under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This mechanism allows one country to finance emission reductions achieved in another country.

Long-standing people-to-people ties

Switzerland and Thailand have maintained diplomatic relations for 95 years. The Swiss community living in Thailand numbers more than 13,000 people, the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, according to SECO. Some 30,000 Thai nationals live in Switzerland.

The talks also covered the international situation and its effects on regional stability, the World Trade Organization and its reform, the United Nations and Geneva’s role as a hub of multilateral diplomacy. Guy Parmelin also welcomed Thailand’s commitment to fighting online fraud networks.

The President is in Thailand to attend the annual meetings of the Bretton Woods institutions, held this year in Bangkok rather than in Washington, where these institutions are headquartered.

Next stop: Vietnam

Guy Parmelin is then due to travel to Vietnam, where he will be received by President Tô Lâm in Hanoi on Saturday, 17 October. Meetings are planned with Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and other members of the government. According to the press release, the visit will notably be marked by the signing of the free trade agreement between the EFTA States and Vietnam, scheduled for 18 October. An announced signing, which does not yet mean entry into force.

Sources