Thailand's deputy prime minister said Japan has pledged its support in helping the nation join the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Somkid Jatusripitak said Monday he was given the assurance during a meeting with Hiroto Izumi, a special adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He said he is now keen to join the U.S.-led trade pact despite domestic opposition.
Among the fears in Thailand are higher medicine prices, which could result from intellectual property rights protection under the TPP.
"Japan is willing to support Thailand to enter the TPP," Somkid said. "Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn was assigned to look into the matter. However, those internal obstacles also need to be tackled gradually.
"Japan agreed to help by pairing Japanese-related industries with Thailand's industrial clusters, such as medical equipment," he added.
Somkid also said Japan appears determined to continue its cooperation on Thailand's railway development. He emphasized the importance and benefits for Japan from constructing a new rail link connecting the country's east and west.
He is scheduled to visit Japan from Nov. 25 to 28, when he will meet with ministers and outline Thailand's new economic policy to investors. He will also lead Thai businessmen at a business-matching meeting with Japanese investors.