On 13 November 2023, H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the first day of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting for Pillar I (Trade) in San Francisco, United States of America. The Meeting was chaired by Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative. Ministers from 13 IPEF Partner Countries attended the Meeting, namely Australia, Brunei Darussalum, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Viet Nam.

The Meeting acknowledged the continued progress made under Trade Pillar negotiations and discusssed ways forward. IPEF Partners reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to reach the conclusion of negotiation in order to fully realize in the high-standard trade cooperation and deliver tangible economic benefits to the region and its peoples.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand commended on the significant progress of the negotiations which will enhance inclusive and sustainable economic growth in order to ensure benefit from IPEF cooperation to all segments in the region. He emphasized the value of Trade Pillar cooperation in leveraging regulatory standards, improving transparency, creating jobs, and advancing a conducive environment to bolster trade and investment activities. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed commitment to working closely with IPEF Partners towards further progress in the negotiations and early implementation of tangible projects, which will deliver concrete benefit and economic opportunities for the people in the region.