At the reception, PM Chinh underlined that the enhanced strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand has developed considerably in all fields over the past time.
As the two Southeast Asian countries successfully celebrated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1976-2021) and are preparing for welcoming the 10th anniversary of establishing strategic partnership, the Vietnamese PM stressed that Vietnam and Thailand should further deepen trustful cooperation by increasing exchanges at all levels and upholding the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the joint cabinet meeting and the joint committee on bilateral cooperation.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) receives Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Nikorndej Balankura in Hanoi on March 31. (Photo: VNA) |
PM Chinh emphasized the need for Vietnam and Thailand to closely work together in post-pandemic recovery and socio-economic development, particularly in strengthening economic connectivity and maintaining supply chains, while considering minimizing trade barriers or restrictions on each side’s imports.
Meanwhile, he suggested that the two countries should strive to raise two-way trade to USD 25 billion with a trade balance as soon as possible, proposed Thailand to increase the import and distribution of Vietnamese products, with Thai major distributors serving as bridges to popularizing Vietnamese goods to Thai consumers through their distribution networks.
On this occasion, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam welcomes, encourages and creates favorable conditions for Thai companies to invest and run business in the fields where Thailand has advantages and Vietnam holds potentials such as tourism, garment and textiles, cosmetics, food, agriculture, machinery, equipment and components manufacturing. Moreover, both sides should speed up the recognition of each other’s COVID-19 vaccine passports and resume commercial flights to make it easier for tourism and trade activities. The PM held that Vietnam would continue to join hands with Thailand to ensure the success of the APEC Year Thailand 2022.
For his part, Ambassador Nikorndej pledged to do his utmost to contribute to fostering the bilateral friendship and enhanced strategic partnership, including increasing two-way trade towards a more balanced direction. The Thai diplomat informed PM Chinh that Thailand has set up a Thai Business Council in Vietnam to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries. He also said that Thailand would effectively implement a project on sustainable community development in Thai Nguyen and Ben Tre provinces, thus improving the living standards of local residents.
In addition, the ambassador spoke highly of Vietnam’s preparation for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games, adding that Thailand is willing to make contribution to the success of the sports event; and agreed that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in sub-regional cooperation mechanisms as well as at international and regional forums, especially within ASEAN and the U.N.
Translated by Minh Anh