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Published on November 2, 2007

Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet confirmed that Thailand was ready to exercise rights immediately, starting with a reduction of import tariffs from 40 per cent to zero.

He added that all import tariffs for Japanese goods would be down to zero within 10 years.

Speaking at a seminar in Japan, delegation leader Nitya said Thailand and Japan had had an economic relationship for a long time and relied on each other.

Japan has invested heavily in Thailand over the past 20 years. Despite Thailand's political problems and sluggish economy, Japan has never lost confidence in the economy.

Nitya also attended a meeting with Japanese ministers on the Joint Trade Economic Partnership Committee for the first round in Tokyo yesterday.

The controversial deal was inked in April after months of uncertainty due to Japan's unease over the military coup in Bangkok.

Activists in Thailand have expressed fears that the deal will turn their country into a dumping ground for Japan's toxic waste.

Under the Jtepa, about 97 per cent of Japanese exports to Thailand and 92 per cent of Thai exports to Japan will be tariff-free within 10 years.

The Nation