Taking the workshop to Bangkok on 3-5 March 2026, the UK Government funded Open Trade Pillar under the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme works in partnership with the ASEANSecretariat to continue promoting a better understanding about the benefits of the Upgraded ATIGA and existing trade facilitation efforts. The upgrades tackle new and important issues like remanufactured goods, environmental trade, food security, humanitarian crises, paperless trade, and supply chains, while also improving rules on non-tariff barriers, transparency, and market access. A new Alternative Dispute Resolution system will also help ASEAN countries settle trade disputes faster, reducing friction and keeping trade and investment flowing smoothly.

The outreach programme plays an important role in closing the gap between governments, regulators, and businesses. It helps people better understand the new changes under the upgraded ATIGA. They also give businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to share feedback and raise concerns. Ongoing outreach is key to building trust, improving cooperation, and making sure the upgraded ATIGA delivers real benefits.

This key message was conveyed during the opening remarks provided by the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Bangkok, Mr. David Thomas; ATIGA Trade Negotiating Committee Chair, Ms Alpana Roy; and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations Thailand, Mr. Dhadchyarbhon Abhimontejchbud.

Following the successful workshops in Singapore and Timor-Leste, this time around, the Bangkok programme also aims to help everyone better understand the new updates, while also creating space to share feedback, raise challenges, and suggest improvements.
Attended by 95 (45 onsite and 50 online) participants, the programme covered the following topics on day one:

• Overview of the Upgraded ATIGA – Key updates and what they  mean for ASEAN trade.
• Emerging Issues – Main challenges and new developments to watch.
• Market Access (NTMA) – Fair treatment and better access to markets.
• Trade Facilitation (Customs & CPTF) – Faster, simpler, and lower-cost trade processes.
• Standards & Regulations (STRACAP) – Clearer rules and smoother compliance across countries.
• Private Sector & Panel Discussion – Real business views and practical insights from key stakeholders.
  
  The second day highlighted the following:
• Rules of Origin (ROO) – How to meet origin requirements and use them correctly.
• Self-Certification – Making it easier forexporters and producers to certify goods.
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) – Meeting food safety and health standards in trade.
• Trade Facilitation Efforts – Key reforms and tools (including the ASEAN Tariff Finder) to make trade faster and simpler.

Closing remarks by Mr. Cuong Ba Tran, Head of Trade Facilitation Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, and Open Trade Pillar Team Leader, Mr. Claudio Dordi, featured key takeaways and next steps. Most importantly, they emphasised on importance of continued engagement to strengthen trust, improve cooperation, and ensure the agreement works effectively in practice.