U.K. signs trade partnership with Thailand, first in Southeast Asia

Labour minister sees region as 'key growth engine'

20240918 Douglas Alexander

U.K. Trade Minister Douglas Alexander tells Nikkei Asia in Bangkok that the new Labour government sees Southeast Asia as a key 'growth engine' for its trade policy. He was speaking on Sept. 18 ahead of signing an enhanced trade partnership with his Thai counterpart. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thailand and the U.K. on Wednesday announced an enhanced trade partnership, a first for the European nation in Southeast Asia and a potential stepping stone to a trade deal with the region's second largest economy. 

The move is a sign that Britain's new Labour government sees Southeast Asia as an increasingly important region while it also seeks to rebuild ties with the EU after almost 14 years of Conservative rule.

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