Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is accelerating efforts to review a key trade pact with India to strengthen exports of Thai goods, including agricultural products, gems, and machinery.
Deputy Minister of Commerce Chantavit Tandhasit attended a Special ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting on 28 August 2025 to push forward negotiations on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). He said talks have advanced around 40%, despite earlier challenges.
Recent progress includes agreements on reducing customs barriers, fostering SME cooperation, and improving market access, measures aimed at making trade more transparent and equitable.
Chantavit highlighted the growing economic importance of the ASEAN-India partnership, noting that trade between the two regions reached over US$106.8 billion in 2024, up by US$6.77 billion from the previous year.
The move to finalise the AITIGA review is seen as a strategic effort to create new opportunities for Thai enterprises, enabling easier access to the Indian market, reducing costs, and enhancing competitiveness.
Currently, ASEAN’s key exports to India include electrical appliances, mineral fuels, and machinery, while imports from India primarily consist of mineral fuels, gems, and chemicals.
