HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc called on Việt Nam and Thailand to redouble their efforts in order to bring bilateral trade to US$20 billion in 2020.
At a reception for Thai Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn in Hà Nội yesterday the Vietnamese Government leader suggested the two countries, as the world’s biggest rice exporters, partner with each other to keep rice prices beneficial to their farmers.
A boost should be given to collaboration in trade and investment, he said, citing opportunities awaiting Thai investors after Việt Nam engages in many new-generation free trade agreements.
Besides, Việt Nam boasts abundant and skillful labour resources that can meet Thailand’s demands, he added.
The leader also proposed the two countries collaborate on culture, national defence and security while strengthening bilateral ties in people-to-people diplomacy.
Praising the co-operation between Việt Nam and Thailand in regional and international forums, Prime Minister Phúc urged the two countries to team up with other affected nations and international organisations in the sustainable and effective management and use of Mekong River water resources.
More joint efforts should be focused on the actualisation of an action programme to realise the strategic partnership for 2014-2018 as well as agreements reached at Việt Nam-Thailand Joint Cabinet Retreats, the host said.
For his part, the Thai Deputy Prime Minister voiced his wish that the Vietnamese Government will create more optimal conditions for Thai businesses in the country.
The Thai Government encourages local investors to run long-term and sustainable operations in Việt Nam, he said.
The guest conveyed Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha’s invitation to the Vietnamese Prime Minister Phúc to pay a visit to Thailand in a bid to consolidate bilateral ties and partake in a number of activities making the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (August 6, 1976).
Yesterday, the Thai Deputy Prime Minister met with his counterpart Vũ Đức Đam, during which they shared the view that Việt Nam and Thailand hold substantial potential for co-operation in economy, trade and investment that can bring bilateral trade to $20 billion.
They agreed on the need for the two countries to reach a plan on tourism co-operation for 2016-18 soon and foster their partnership in education.
Host and guest consented to continue co-operating with other ASEAN member countries in order to maintain the intra-bloc solidarity and carry forward the ten-member group’s central role and common voice on regional and international issues.
The same day, Thanasak Patimaprakorn was welcomed by National Assembly Vice Chairman Đỗ Bá Tỵ, who thanked the Thai Government and people for their $100,000 aid package donated to Việt Nam’s southern provinces stricken by drought and saltwater intrusion.
Tỵ said he wished that the two countries will maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels, effectively implement their co-operation mechanisms and agreements, pay more heed to the role played by each country’s legislative body and step up co-operation between their parliamentarians.
The Thai Deputy Prime Minister pledged to make all-out efforts in order to consolidate and strengthen collaboration between the two nations across all fields.
His official visit to Việt Nam lasts from June 16-19. VNS