In a bid to make progress on a bilateral free-trade agreement, Japan has drawn up a package of cooperation programs aimed at boosting the industrialization of Thailand, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said Friday.
"Japan is prepared to make its utmost contribution to Thailand by helping the country achieve its goal of becoming 'the Detroit of Asia,' an ASEAN leader that can export high-value-added products," the minister said.
"We will meet their requests by providing knowhow and technological assistance for industrialization efforts, including personnel training at small and midsize enterprises."
Nakagawa met Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak on Thursday evening in Tokyo. He confirmed that the two countries will aim to strike a free-trade accord in principle by the end of July.
During the meeting, the minister gave a detailed explanation of Japan's proposals to enhance Thailand's industrial competitiveness, a ministry official said.
The two countries launched official FTA talks in February 2004. Differences remain in the final phase of negotiations in areas such as steel, automobiles, auto parts, investment and services trade.