Viet Nam, Thailand strive to raise trade to US$25 billion
VGP - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Viet Nam and Thailand to double efforts to bring the two-way trade to US$25 billion in a more balanced manner through lifting trade barriers and boosting import and export activities.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) shakes hands with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara in Ha Noi, October 25, 2023. Photo: VGP
The Vietnamese Government chief made the point during a reception for Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who is on an official visit to Viet Nam from October 25-26.
Prime Minister Pham proposed the two countries increase delegation exchanges at all levels and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially joint cabinet meeting mechanism chaired by the two Prime Ministers.
He conveyed the invitation to his Thai counterpart to pay an official visit to Viet Nam in 2024, during which they will co-chair the 4th Viet Nam-Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting.
He also suggested the two sides maintain meetings of the joint committee on bilateral cooperation, further materialize the action program implementing the Viet Nam - Thailand Enhanced Strategic Partnership for 2022 – 2027.
The two countries should spur trade linkages and investment expansion, effectively and cooperate in new fields such as digital transformation and green energy.
Thailand remains Viet Nam's largest trade partner in ASEAN and the 9th largest foreign investor, said Prime Minister Pham.
He took the occasion to call upon the Thai Government to create more favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to integrate deeply into the host society and increase direct flights between the two countries to facilitate economic, cultural and tourism cooperation, and people-to-people exchange.
In reply, Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree said Thai businesses are confident in potential and the investment environment in Viet Nam, and want to expand footholds in the country.
He suggested the Vietnamese Government further support Thai investors in implementing projects in Vietnamese localities, including those on energy, and pledging that the Thai Government will back foreign businesses, including Vietnamese firms, to expand investment in the country./.
