Should Canada Pursue a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand?
Official title: Consultations on a possible free trade agreement with Thailand
Canada and Thailand have agreed to start negotiating a free trade deal. Before talks begin, the government wants to hear from Canadians about their priorities. Thailand is Canada's second-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with $6.37 billion in trade last year.
Why This Matters
Trade deals affect prices at the store and job opportunities at home. If you run a small business, this could open new markets for your products. If you work in manufacturing, it could mean more competition—or new customers. The government specifically wants to hear from groups often left out of trade talks: women entrepreneurs, Indigenous businesses, and young people.
What Could Change
A free trade agreement could reduce tariffs on Canadian exports to Thailand and Thai imports to Canada. Specific sectors like agriculture, services, and manufacturing could see new rules. Investment protections and labour standards may also be negotiated.
Key Issues
- What should Canada's priorities be in trade negotiations with Thailand?
- How can the agreement benefit under-represented groups in trade?
- What Canadian interests should be protected or advanced?
How to Participate
- Review the background information on the Consulting with Canadians web page to understand the trade relationship.
- Submit your views, reflections, and priorities by email to thailand-consultationstca@international.gc.ca.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (1)
- What are your views, reflections, and priorities with respect to free trade agreement negotiations with Thailand?