On 31 March 2026, Ms. Somrudee Poopornanake, Acting Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, had a discussion with Mrs. Paranee Adulyapichet, President of European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) Thailand, to promote closer trade and investment cooperation between the Thai and European private sectors. Also in attendance were
H.E. Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, and representatives from the European private sector.

The Acting Director-General, the President of EABC Thailand, and the EU Ambassador jointly delivered opening remarks, highlighting the strong and close partnership between Thailand and the EU. They underscored that both sides are trusted partners, bound by shared fundamental values and robust economic ties through trade and investment, with an increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. They also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing negotiations on the Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement, noting the positive momentum towards a more comprehensive, modern, and balanced agreement, with the aim of concluding negotiations by the end of this year.

All parties emphasized the importance of knowledge and experience transfer from European businesses to Thai enterprises at all levels. Such cooperation would help enhance Thailand’s human capital to meet evolving environmental standards, labour market demands, and global trends through capacity-building initiatives and constructive dialogue platforms. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing business adaptability, and advancing the green transition amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties.