In a recent interview granted to a VOV reporter prior to the 16^th ASEAN Summit (ASEAN 16) to take place in Hanoi, Ambassador Pisanu Chanvitan emphasised that Vietnam and Thailand should invest more in upgrading their traffic networks to ease difficulties in transporting goods through border gates.

He noted that cooperation among ASEAN-member countries has been constantly enhanced, and that Vietnam-Thailand cooperation has followed this positive direction.

Talking about Vietnam’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2010, the Thai diplomat affirmed:  “Holding the chairmanship of ASEAN, Vietnam will have both opportunities and challenges. The country will have a chance to welcome ASEAN leaders and investors and its image will be promoted widely throughout the region and the world. However, this year the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement will take effect, so ASEAN nations will strictly monitor Vietnam’s leadership to help ASEAN make use of this opportunity.”

He said Vietnam’s economy is recovering from the negative impact of the global economic downturn and this situation is favourable for the country to successfully perform its duty as the ASEAN chair.

According to Ambassador Pisanu Chanvitan, about 100,000 Vietnamese people are currently living in Thailand and he said it is therefore essential to promote mutual understanding. This year, the Thai Embassy in Vietnam will organise a Thai Week in Hanoi during the celebration of the 1,000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.