Vietnam National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha on December 8th in Bangkok. The high-level talks aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam nearly 10 years into their enhanced strategic partnership.
Key Highlights:
- Vietnam NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha while on an official visit.
- Meetings sought to bolster economic, transport, energy, supply chain and legislative connections.
- Discussions covered upholding ASEAN’s role and unified stance on East Sea matters.
$25 Billion Trade Target Supported by Legislative Ties
During his engagements, Chairman Hue briefed the Thai leaders about productive discussions held with National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
Hue said the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnamese NA and Thailand’s House of Representatives, overseen by President Matha, will further strengthen ties between the two legislative bodies.
He expressed a shared hope that the two ASEAN neighbors would soon upgrade bilateral relations to an even higher level. Both sides spoke positively about the rapid expansion of cooperation across all key areas.
Thailand Currently Vietnam’s Top ASEAN Trading Partner
Thailand now stands as Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Two-way trade turnover recently reached nearly $22 billion in 2022, with Thailand also ranking as 2nd among Vietnam’s largest foreign investors at nearly $14 billion.
Leaders set their sights on increasing bilateral trade turnover to $25 billion in the near term, while working towards greater balance.
Enhanced Transport, Energy and Supply Chain Connectivity
The two leaders consented to maintain frequent high-level exchange visits and contacts across all levels of government and industry. Effective implementation of previously signed agreements remains crucial, including strategic partnership action plans for 2022-2027.
Chairman Hue stated Vietnam will keep enabling Thai business investment and operations in mutually beneficial sectors. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha agreed closer coordination is essential to execute the “Three Connections” strategy focused on shared gains:
Key elements of the “Three Connections” strategy include:
- Infrastructure Connectivity: More transport links and flights connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
- Supply Chain Connectivity: Maintaining existing production networks while establishing new high value-added chains.
- Sustainable Connectivity: Fostering collaboration on renewable energy, clean tech, and green development goals.
Presenting Unity on Regional Matters Through ASEAN
Regarding regional and global affairs, the leaders committed to close cooperation on international stages like the United Nations, ASEAN meetings, and within Mekong area development programs.
There was also consensus on upholding ASEAN’s influential role, while working collectively to put forward a unified ASEAN position on vital East Sea concerns. Such joint efforts lead to greater peace, stability, cooperation and equitable development in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion
The engagements held between visiting Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and host Thai leaders including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha spotlights a shared desire to keep strengthening strategic ties nearly 10 years since the partnership began.
From increasing trade and transport links to supply chain cooperation and presenting unity on regional East Sea matters, the high-level meetings set positive foundations to build on as the relationship progresses.
With robust trade flows, major investment and new milestones like legislative MOUs, the comprehensive strategic partnership looks set to achieve its $25 billion bilateral trade target through joint infrastructure, manufacturing and sustainable energy initiatives.
As the Thailand-Vietnam connection continues gaining momentum across all fronts, maintaining open communication channels through regular ministerial exchanges and industry contacts remains vital for tapping the full potential.
