Thailand, Vietnam to boost cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and infrastructure

On April 11, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son during his official visit to Thailand.

The PM said he was pleased with the dynamism of Thailand — Vietnam relations, especially the work under the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy framework.

As two major economies in the region, he insisted that Thailand and Vietnam should work closely to drive further peace and stability as well as economic integration in the Mekong sub-region. He also expressed his commitment to pay an official visit to Vietnam and co-chair the 4^th Joint Cabinet Retreat in June.

In response, Minister Son said he was honoured to meet the PM during the Thai Songkran Festival and expressed his good wishes. He congratulated the Thai government for its achievements in revitalising and developing the Thai economy and expressed his confidence that the PM will drive Thailand's role as well as help promote the economy in the region.

He also confirmed that Vietnam is ready to welcome the official visit, which will be a good opportunity to announce the elevation of Thailand - Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

On the occasion, both sides discussed ways to promote three main areas of Thailand – Vietnam cooperation, including trade and investment, tourism, and infrastructure. On trade and investment, PM Thavisin asked Vietnam to facilitate Thailand’s goods in transit, especially fruit, at the Vietnam – China border checkpoints, while Son expressed his readiness to work with Thailand to increase trade volume and market access.

On tourism, both sides agreed to increase flight connections between Thailand and Vietnam, especially between second-tier tourist destinations, and support the “Six Countries, One Destination” scheme.

On infrastructure development, both sides agreed to work together to improve infrastructure, particularly the road between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, to promote trade and investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

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