PM Phuc seeks joint efforts to boost Vietnam-Thailand trade to US$20 billion

These comments by PM Phuc took place during phone talks with his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha on November 6, with discussions held to enhance bilateral co-operation between both sides, along with seeking greater regional co-operation ahead of the 37th ASEAN Summit.

The Thai PM once again extended his sympathy to Vietnamese  leaders and citizens due to the flood situation in the central region, announcing that the Thai Government would donate a sum of US$30,000 to contribute to recovery efforts. In addition, the Thai PM congratulated the country on its effective response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, along with its efforts to continue restoring and developing it economy, being the only ASEAN member state to record positive growth this year.

In response, PM Phuc congratulated Thailand on its competent control of the COVID-19 pandemic, before thanking the Thai Government for co-ordinating and facilitating flights in an effort to bring home more than 1,000 Vietnamese citizens who were stranded in the neighbouring country, whilst also extending their permitted stay. He therefore expressed his desire for Thailand to continue focusing on socio-economic development and continuously striving to improve its position in the region and among the international arena.

Both PMs noted their satisfaction for the strong development of the friendship and co-operation between the two countries in recent years, both in terms of the bilateral framework as well as at regional and international forums. As the two nations have virtually brought the pandemic under control, both sides agreed to facilitate further promotion of bilateral co-operation.

They will therefore promote the exchange of plans to reopen commercial routes and negotiate priority travel regulations between the two countries, in addition to maintaining and enhancing effective bilateral co-operation mechanisms. This includes the organisation of the fourth joint Vietnam-Thailand cabinet meeting at an appropriate time.

They also consented to swiftly signing the Action Program in an effort to implement the Vietnam-Thailand Enhanced Strategic Partnership for the 2020 to 2025 period. This scheme will serve to strengthen economic, trade, and investment co-operation whilst accelerating the signing of co-operation documents between localities from the two countries. It is hoped that the Action Program will help to boost co-ordination whilst organising a range of activities to mark the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2021.

Furthermore, PM Phuc requested that the Thai side increase imports of Vietnamese goods, restrict the imposition of trade remedy measures, and encourage Thai retail groups to bring Vietnamese goods into their distribution systems as a way of reducing the nation’s trade deficit with Thailand.

The two leaders consented to continue boosting co-ordination and mutual support at multilateral forums. Thai PM Prayut expressed great appreciation for the country’s leading role as ASEAN Chair 2020, therefore welcoming Vietnamese efforts and initiatives to augment co-operation within ASEAN and the bloc’s partners. He therefore affirmed the Thai side’s wish to continue co-operating closely and supporting the nation to successfully take on the role of ASEAN Chair 2020 and be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 to 2021 term.

Moreover, PM Phuc hailed the role and contributions made by Thailand to the Mekong co-operation frameworks, hoping that joint efforts between the two countries in the Mekong co-operation frameworks will continue to be promoted on the basis of sustainable development and shared regional prosperity.

The two PMs also came together to underline the importance of continuing to foster solidarity and maintaining ASEAN's common stance on issues regarding the East Sea. This should involve co-ordinating negotiations to achieve an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLSO) as a means of maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the region.