Thailand's Ministry of Commerce said on Monday that its Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has decided against proposing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to the Cabinet for consideration on Tuesday due to concerns about some issues and the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

The issues of concern include the protection of new plant species and government procurement.

According to studies conducted by related agencies, CPTPP could help Thailand’s economy grow by 0.12 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) or worth 13 billion baht ($400 million), while investments could rise by 5.14 per cent or 148 billion baht.

However, if it decides to stay out of CPTPP, then the country’s GDP and investment will rise by 0.25 per cent and 0.49 per cent respectively.

THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK