Thailand Joins APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting in China to Advance Digital Economy and Sustainable Trade

Thailand’s Commerce Minister is attending the 2026 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in China, where Thailand aims to strengthen regional trade cooperation, promote sustainable economic growth, and advance its digital economy agenda.

Held in Suzhou from May 22–23 under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” the ministerial forum brings together trade leaders from APEC member economies to discuss regional economic cooperation and future trade strategies.

Thailand is expected to use the platform to highlight its commitment to open and sustainable trade, while promoting the country’s transition toward a digital economy under the Thailand National AI Strategy and Action Plan. The government will also emphasize support for trusted cross-border data flows, environmentally friendly trade practices, and stronger supply-chain resilience.

Key topics on the APEC agenda include developing practical AI regulatory frameworks, strengthening economic cooperation through innovation and technology, and supporting developing economies and MSMEs in adapting to future economic transformation.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Thailand plans to hold bilateral discussions with major economies including China and Singapore to further enhance trade and investment cooperation.

Thailand also aims to reaffirm its role in supporting an open trading system within the Asia-Pacific region, while building investor confidence through trade facilitation, digital transformation, and sustainable economic policies under the APEC framework.