The UK has signed its first enhanced trade partnership with Thailand since the Labour government took office, aimed at removing barriers to trade and investment. The agreement, signed by UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, focuses on key sectors like technology, customs, and standards, but does not include tariff reductions. This partnership, valued at approximately £6 billion in annual trade, reflects the UK's strategy to enhance economic growth through smaller, targeted trade deals rather than broad agreements. The deal is expected to benefit UK businesses, particularly in the automotive sector, which will save costs due to changes in vehicle emissions testing standards. Additionally, both nations are considering future discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as part of the partnership's framework. This move underscores the UK’s growing interest in Southeast Asia as it seeks to strengthen its global trade relations post-Brexit.