Australia and Thailand to deepen economic cooperation
12 March 2026
This week, senior Australian and Thai officials met in Canberra for the second Australia-Thailand Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) and the fifth Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) Joint Commission Meeting to discuss ways to deepen economic cooperation.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division, First Assistant Secretary, Mr Pablo Kang; and Thai Ministry of Commerce, Department of Trade Negotiations, Director-General, Ms Chotima Iemsawasdikul.
Mr Kang said discussions reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to promoting two-way trade and investment.
“Thailand is a significant two-way trading partner for Australia and an important source of foreign investment. We cooperate across a wide range of sectors, and there are more opportunities that we can capitalise on, including in areas such as agriculture and food, education, the digital economy and the green economy,” he said.
“Through initiatives such as those under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, Australia and Thailand are working together towards a more connected, resilient and sustainable region.”
During the talks, Australia reaffirmed support for Thailand’s OECD accession journey. Both sides also exchanged views on the multilateral trading system, regional dynamics and the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict.
The TAFTA Joint Commission Meeting was chaired by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Free Trade Agreement Implementation and Inclusive Trade Assistant Secretary, Richard Emerson-Elliott; and Thai Ministry of Commerce, Department of Trade Negotiations, Director-General, Ms Chotima Iemsawasdikul.
The meeting addressed a broad range of issues, including opportunities within TAFTA to enhance trade and investment flows and strengthen business confidence in both countries. It also noted progress on streamlining product origin certification and advancing cooperation in agricultural trade. Australia continued to seek the earliest possible resolution of Thailand’s quantitative restrictions on certain Australian dairy imports.
Since TAFTA’s entry into force in 2005, the total value of goods and services trade has nearly tripled, from A$11.5 billion in 2005-06 to A$32.04 billion in 2024-25.
