Vietnam – Thailand seek to strengthen bilateral trade

A conference to promote trade and investment ties between Vietnam and Thailand took place in Bangkok on December 14.

The event attracted officials and businessmen from both Vietnam and Thailand. This conference is one of activities marking 40 years of diplomatic relations. During the conference, participants discussed the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership, policies and projects available for foreign investors in Vietnam, as well as Thai import-export supporting policies.

Vietnam-Thailand trade value increased to 11.5 billion USD in 2015 from 5.8 billion USD in 2009. The figure hit almost 10 billion USD by the end of October 2016 and is expected to reach 20 billion USD by 2020.

By the end of July 2016, Thailand has been the 10th biggest foreign investor in Vietnam with 466 valid projects worth almost 9.5 billion USD. Thai projects have been present in 41 out of 63 Vietnamese provinces and cities, mostly in the sectors of processing, manufacturing, retails, construction and services.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has 10 projects in Thailand valued at 25.8 million USD, ranking 22nd out of 55 countries and territories investing in the country.

The participants stressed the need for more diplomatic-economic activities, trade and investment promotion events and market surveys that will encourage the formation of partnerships.

They pointed to some potential sectors for cooperation, including garment-textiles, cosmetics, foodstuff and machinery.

The Red River Delta province of Hung Yen and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho took this occasion to introduce their business climate and attract investment.

Source: VNA