AEC integration to boost Thai export growth, study finds

A seminar titled "Countdown to AEC 2015" revealed figures that showed Thailand would benefit greatly from regional integration, while also facing some challenges due to higher competition. Under the Global Trade Analysis Project model, annual growth in Thailand's gross domestic product is expected to rise by 0.98 percentage points, the study found, and export growth will likely be 1.32 percentage points higher each year. Major goods that will enjoy higher exports from the regional integration include agricultural products, processed foods, sugar, fuel, automobiles and parts, chemicals and petrochemicals.

Thailand's annual export growth should be enhanced by 1.32 percentage points after full implementation with the ASEAN Economic Community next year, while some products will face tougher competition under the seamless market, according to the study.