In her opening remarks, Paetongtarn emphasised the forum as a valuable opportunity for Thai and Vietnamese enterprises to expand their business networks and deepen sustainable economic ties between the two countries.

She highlighted the pivotal role that both countries play as two of the largest economies in the Greater Mekong Subregion, driving economic growth within ASEAN. In terms of trade, she said, Vietnam is Thailand’s sixth largest trading partner globally and second in ASEAN, while Thailand is Vietnam’s seventh largest global partner and top trading partner in ASEAN. The two countries recorded a bilateral trade volume of US$21 billion last year, and are striving to raise the figure to US$25 billion in the near future.

Looking ahead, the Thai Prime Minister outlined key areas of cooperation, including integrated supply chains in petrochemicals, food processing, electronics, and logistics. She also underscored the importance of joint workforce development for future industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Local-to-local cooperation will also be strengthened, especially between northeastern Thailand and central and southern Vietnam, through partnerships between over 20 cities to boost trade, investment, and tourism, she said.

Paetongtarn welcomed upcoming new air routes between Vietnam and northeastern Thailand as a way to promote people-to-people exchanges. She also proposed exploring new tourism models, such as cruise tourism between the two countries.

The Thai Prime Minister pointed to the fact that two-thirds of Thailand’s investments in Vietnam are currently in the renewable energy sector. On this occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Thailand’s Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and Vietnam’s Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) to provide financing for businesses and support modern industry development.

Both countries also agreed to develop cross-border payment systems, aiming to make transactions more seamless and cost-effective for businesses and consumers alike.

Speaking at the forum, Chinh reaffirmed the unlimited potential of bilateral cooperation, stating that it serves the goals of peace, prosperity, and happiness for both Vietnam and Thailand.

In the face of global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and crises in energy, food, and finance, the Vietnamese leader stressed that solidarity and practical cooperation are key to sustainable development.

He outlined major strategic priorities for Vietnam–Thailand relations in the coming period, including stability, development, and a sustainable future. Vietnam, he said, is actively pursuing three revolutionary strategies - institutional reform, infrastructure development, and human resource quality enhancement.

Chinh assured Thai businesses operating in Vietnam that the government is focused on resolving difficulties in areas such as taxation, power supply, digital payments, administrative procedures, and capital access. He pledged to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Thai enterprises, stressing a partnership philosophy of “working together, sharing success, and growing together.”

“Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s visit brings renewed inspiration and momentum for reform and deeper bilateral ties,” said Chinh. “With a focus on intellect, timeliness, and decisive action, we are committed to making this partnership more substantive and effective.”

Vietnam and Thailand elevate ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra agreed to upgrade relations between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the fourth joint Cabinet meeting in Hanoi on May 16.