HANOI: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday pledged to strengthen economic ties with Vietnam and support Thai investors operating there, saying closer cooperation between the two countries would help drive growth across Asean.
Meeting representatives of Thai companies during his official visit to Vietnam, Mr Anutin said the two economies had complementary strengths and should focus on "growing together" through expanded trade, investment and supply-chain cooperation.
More than 30 representatives from sectors including agriculture, retail, finance, energy, manufacturing and construction attended the meeting to discuss challenges and opportunities for expanding business operations in Vietnam.
Mr Anutin described Vietnam as an increasingly important player in global manufacturing supply chains, while Thailand's strengths lie in industry, services, logistics and regional connectivity.
He said feedback from Thai businesses would help the government develop policies and support measures that better reflect economic conditions and improve the competitiveness of Thai firms overseas.
Business representatives thanked the government for the opportunity to raise concerns and share experiences, saying opportunities remained for Thai companies to expand their presence and deepen cooperation with Vietnamese partners despite existing challenges.
Following the meeting, Mr Anutin witnessed the exchange of two memorandums of understanding between Thai and Vietnamese companies.
One agreement was signed by Amata Corporation and FPT Corporation to cooperate on developing smart industrial-estate standards. Another was signed by CP Group and FPT Corporation on the application of artificial intelligence technologies.
The discussions formed part of Mr Anutin's June 8-9 visit to Vietnam, which follows Vietnamese President To Lam's recent trip to Thailand, when both countries agreed to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Mr Anutin's delegation includes cabinet ministers, senior officials, military commanders and representatives of Thai companies investing in Vietnam.
The prime minister also laid wreaths at the Bac Son Monument and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before attending an official welcoming ceremony and bilateral talks with Vietnamese leaders.
On Tuesday, Mr Anutin will attend the opening session of the Asean Future Forum in Hanoi, which is focused on expanding the bloc's role in addressing global challenges and promoting regional cooperation.
