On 16 March 2012, Ambassador / Head of Thai Mission to the European Union (EU) accompanied by Mr. Adisorn Promthep, Agricultural Minister and Ms. Pimchanok Vonkhorporn, Commercial Minister, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Dacian CIOLOS, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development to introduce himself as new Thai Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of Thai Mission to the EU and discussed on how to further promote Thai – EU relations and cooperation. Main highlights from the discussion included, among others, Ambassador’s request for the EU to lift the existing ban on Thai uncooked chicken import into the EU due to Avian Flu since February 2009, but Thailand has gained the Avian Flu-free status in accordance with international standard, support for Thailand’s 3 applications for Geographical Indications Protection for Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai, Kafae Doi Chaang and Kafae Doi Tung, Thailand’s registration for EU’s Third Countries List Scheme for organic agricultural products, and the latest status on a possible launch of an EU-Thailand FTA. Mr. CIOLOS expressed EU’s interest to open an FTA negotiation with Thailand and further agreed to support the lifting of the ban on Thai Uncooked Chicken import into the EU, as well as Thailand’s applications for 3 GI protections in the EU.
