Strategy for cooperation with Thailand (2007-2013)

Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Thailand has developed into a partnership for development. The country has not received European development aid since 2003, and has intensified its political and trade relations with the EU.

ACT

The European Commission - Thailand Strategy Paper 2007-2013.

SUMMARY

The partnership put in place between the European Union (EU) and Thailand is intended to facilitate policy and trade dialogue and knowledge sharing. The cooperation priorities presented by the Commission therefore take into account improvements in the socio-economic development of the country.

Strategic cooperation areas

Economic cooperation activities are at the heart of the partnership. The EU therefore supports public reforms in economic areas, improvements to the legal environment for enterprise and investment, and the increase in commercial competitiveness of the country at regional and global levels.

Similarly, planned measures aim at facilitating customs cooperation and adapting rules and technical standards applicable to goods that are to be imported into the EU.

The partners also intend to strengthen their relations in the area of science and technology, higher education and research. Their activities should facilitate the sharing of information, know-how and good practices, as well as strengthening capacities and resources in the sector of research.

Lastly, cooperation should foster dialogue and the sharing of knowledge in the areas of social policy, protection of the environment, good governance, human rights and mine action.

Policy dialogue

A series of themes are to be covered as part of the policy dialogue:

• the promotion of democracy and human rights;
• social and human development, particularly as regards health, culture, education and training;
• immigration and asylum policy, the fight against human trafficking and the protection of displaced persons;
• the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources;
• the development of civil society.

Cross-cutting issues

Cooperation actions undertaken must take into account:

• gender equality and the position of women in the economy;
• the impact of global trade at social level and the promotion of decent work;
• management of natural resources, including energy;
• good governance in public affairs and the promotion of human rights.

Context

The partners’ relations should be intensified through the conclusion of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The negotiations, initiated in 2007, deal particularly with the priorities defined in this Strategy Paper.

Last updated: 08.07.2011