The Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum themed “Strategic insights for investors and business leaders” took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 7, drawing more than 100 Thai business representatives and legal experts from both countries.

In his speech, Wynn Pakdeejit, managing partner of Baker McKenzie Thailand, emphasized that Vietnam is emerging as a leading dynamic economy in Southeast Asia, supported by a solid economic foundation, a young, skilled workforce, and a reform‑driven government. He stressed that the forum offered a valuable opportunity for Thai and Vietnamese businesses to enhance cooperation and promote investment and trade exchanges.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, efficient, and investor‑friendly business climate, recognizing it as crucial for sustainable development.

“With the spirit of harmonizing interests, sharing risks, and promoting sustainable growth, Vietnam is ready to accompany Thai businesses in building long‑term, mutually beneficial cooperation towards a connected, prosperous, and sustainable future for both countries,” the Vietnamese diplomat added.

In the plenary session on unlocking growth and investment opportunities in Vietnam, lawyers from Baker McKenzie Vietnam highlighted key topics of interest to investors, including economic growth trends, recent updates to the Investment and Enterprise Law, government restructuring, economic stimulus packages, and cross‑border investment prospects for Thai businesses.

Panel discussions further explored topics such as foreign direct investment (FDI), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), project finance, renewable energy, capital mobilization, and dispute resolution. Speakers also shared legal regulations related to tax, labor, financial services, intellectual property, technology, and data management to help businesses operate effectively and transparently.

Delegates at the forum expressed strong impressions of Vietnam’s robust economic growth and investment figures for 2025. With GDP growth reaching 7.84% over the nine‑month period of 2025 and trade turnover rising by more than 17%, Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as one of the most dynamic economies in the region.

Notably, the country’s total registered FDI reached US$ 28.54 billion, up 15.2% year‑on‑year, while FDI disbursement recorded its highest level in five years. The growing presence of Thai corporations in Vietnam, marked by a record investment of over US$ 869 million in the first half of the year, reflects the strong appeal and potential of bilateral cooperation, further reinforcing the strategic alignment between the two major ASEAN economies.

Vietnam-Thailand trade exceeds US$12 billion in seven months

VOV.VN - Two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Thailand reached nearly US$12.3 billion in the first seven months of 2025, representing an increase of 8.35% year on year, according to preliminary data released by Vietnam Customs.