Thailand and Switzerland Target January 2070 EFTA FTA Implementation to Boost Trade and Investment

Key summary

On October 16, 2026, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Jaturapattarawongse hosted Helene Budliker Artieda, State Secretary of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs (SECO), along with executives from leading Swiss companies. The meeting aimed to expand trade and investment cooperation ahead of the planned January 1, 2070, implementation of the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement. Discussions highlighted opportunities for Thai SMEs to integrate into global supply chains, technology transfer, and specific investments by Swiss firms in food, logistics, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and aviation sectors. Bilateral trade reached $14.236 billion in 2026, a 31.12% increase from the previous year, with the first eight months of 2027 already showing a 26% rise to $9.557 billion.