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Published on September 29, 2007

The article requires all international trade negotiations to win parliamentary consent.

On his last day in office, Karun said the ministry must ensure that negotiations progress smoothly. He was afraid that negotiations would be caught in the middle if all issues of the talks have to be ratified by Parliament.

"I agree with the principle of the article, which would create transparency and a fair pact for the Kingdom. However, negotiators and the Trade Negotiations Department will have to carefully prioritise the issues of any negotiation if all of the details must pass Parliament's approval," he said.

This would ensure efficient implementation of the article, as well as create flexibility for negotiators who represent Thailand in any international talks, he said

Article 190 states that any agreements that are deemed by the Cabinet to have a wide-ranging impact on the economy or society, or which "significantly" bind the state's trading, investments and budget, would need to be approved by Parliament.

Moreover, Karun urged the ministry to accelerate the development of long-term strategies to prevent any future problems concerning both domestic and international trading which are under the ministry's responsibility.

Karun's other concerns include ensuring the development of the ministry's human resources to meet international standards as well as cooperation with all government agencies and the private sector.

Newly appointed permanent secretary Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, a former director-general of the Internal Trade Department, will take up his position on Monday.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation