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In October 2003, President Bush announced his intent to enter into
FTA negotiations with Thailand, reaffirming his commitment under the Enterprise for ASEAN
Initiative (EAI) to strengthen trade ties with countries in the ASEAN region that are actively pursuing economic
reforms. During two rounds of FTA negotiations between the United States and Thailand in 2004 and
four rounds in 2005, good progress was made on the text of all chapters of the FTA, although significant
work continues.
An agreement with Thailand, which is currently the United States’
20 th largest trading partner, would significantly increase trade in goods and services, create more
commercial opportunities for U.S. exporters, particularly agricultural product exporters, and reduce
or eliminate barriers in many sectors. In addition, a United States-Thailand FTA would enhance investment
flows by ensuring a stable and predictable environment for investors, and improve the protection
and enforcement of intellectual property rights. An FTA also would strengthen longstanding
economic and security ties between our countries.
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