Japan, Thailand Hold Bilateral Steel Dialogue

Japanese and Thai delegations from government and steel industry held fifth bilateral dialogue in Bangkok to discuss steel cooperation under the economic partnership agreement, Thai antidumping duty for Japanese hot rolled flat steel and Chinese overcapacity of steel output. They launch task force for steel technological support for Thailand to develop building steel market, support energy saving and improve technology of steel products making. They also agreed to hold committee for energy saving in late January 2007 in Tokyo. Japan seeks termination of antidumping duty for the hot rolled steel. Thailand said Japanese increases the export to Thailand and Japan is net steel exporter for Thailand. Thailand also suggests holding joint dialogue with delegations from Japan, China, South Korea and Association of Southeast Asian Nations.