Thailand, US to start free trade talks

cctv.com 10-20-2003 09:26

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit have hosted a State Dinner for US President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush.

The U.S. President said his government will begin negotiations with Thailand on a comprehensive free trade agreement. Thailand is a major exporter of agricultural products, an area of acute political sensitivity for U.S. trade negotiators.

Labour and environmental standards have preoccupied U.S. legislators in recent negotiations over free trade accords. The United States takes nearly 20 percent of Thai exports. Owing to a stronger baht and increased competition, Thai exports to the United States have increased only three to four percent so far this year, trailing the Asian country's overall export growth of about 11 percent.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com