Vietnam and Thailand formally established diplomatic relations on August 6, 1976. Throughout the past 35 years, the friendship between Vietnam and Thailand has been constantly evolving; bilateral trade relations increased steadily and strongly. To learn more about the good cooperation as well as prospects for development in economic cooperation between the two countries in the coming time, reporter Doan Tien interviewed Mr Anuson Chinvanno, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Vietnam.
Could you kindly share with us the achievements in bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand over the past years, especially after Vietnam joined the WTO?
Since Thailand and Vietnam established diplomatic relations 35 years ago on 6 August 1976, we have seen increased development in all areas of cooperation: trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, and security. The countries have had an intensive exchange of visits at all levels, especially the exchange of visits between the peoples, which will reach 600,000 persons this year. This development strengthens the confidence, trust and friendship between the two countries and peoples. This dynamism in bilateral cooperation is the biggest achievement in their bilateral relations.
It is notable that after Vietnam joined the WTO in 2007, trade and investment between the two countries have expanded significantly. Bilateral trade has almost doubled from about 3.8 billion US dollars in 2006 to 7.3 billion US dollars in 2010. Thailand’s investment in Vietnam, which stood at 1.7 billion US dollars in 2007, has grown to 5.8 billion US dollars in 2010. Tourism has also benefited from the more open market and convenient transportation which have contributed to greater interaction.
What are the main objectives the two countries are pursuing in tightening bilateral relations and cooperation in the near future?
The bilateral relation between Thailand and Vietnam has developed into a strategic partnership. Both governments are determined not only to broaden and deepen the cooperation in all areas for the benefit of their peoples, but also to cooperate closely in regional and international forums to address the wider issues of common interest and concern, as well as to strengthen the process of ASEAN community building.
The good understanding and cultural linkage between the two countries are keys to the achievements in bilateral relations and contribute to the goal of ASEAN Community in 2015. Both countries will continue to make use of the advantages of proximity and neighbourliness to enhance people to people contact. On the economic front, I believe that free trade in general will bring about developments that benefit the public. However, although the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) has been fully implemented since 2010, a number of non-tariff barriers still exist. The two governments therefore need to work closely to remove unnecessary barriers as well as to improve cross-border facilitation, such as customs formalities and immigration procedures, to help increase trade and investment between our two countries. They will also have to make greater effort to ensure effective use of transportation linkages, the regional “connectivity”, particularly land transportation, in order to further connect people and enhance economic development in the region.
Do you have any comment and assessment on the projects that Thai investors have done in Vietnam recently? According to you, what are the most important tasks that the Vietnamese Government should focus on in order to encourage foreign enterprises to invest in Vietnam?
I think most Thai investment projects in Vietnam are doing well. This is from the fact that many Thai companies have invested in a number of new projects and expanded their existing projects in Vietnam in recent years. Thailand currently ranks 10th among foreign investors in Vietnam, with accumulated registered capital of 5.8 billion US dollars. Moreover, The Thai government is now encouraging Thai companies to invest overseas and Vietnam is one of the main destinations for Thai companies, especially those in the agro-industry, logistics and construction sectors.
Vietnam has a big market with strong economic growth. There is no doubt that it will continue to attract the attention of foreign investors. However, high economic growth usually comes with a cost. Vietnam currently has to grapple with the problems of high inflation and balance of payments. To maintain the optimism of foreign investors in the Vietnamese market, I am sure that the Vietnamese authorities will continue to be proactive in taking necessary steps to resolve the country’s macroeconomic issues. Vietnam can also study the experiences of some ASEAN countries. For example, in the case of Thailand, in order to maintain its attraction as a destination for foreign investment, the Thai government has continuously revamped its legal framework to further facilitate business and investment, as well as instituted measures to improve competitiveness and transparency.
On the occasion of 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam, would you please tell us about some highlights that Thailand businesses are realizing in Vietnam?
The Royal Thai Embassy and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City have cooperated with Thai companies and the Thai community in Vietnam in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam throughout this year. The celebration comprises a great variety of activities to highlight the extensive development in the bilateral relations, namely: “Landscape Improvement of Royal Thai Elephant Statue at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden” in March 2011; “Thailand Outlet Fair 2011” in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi in April 2011; “Thai-Viet Arts Exhibition: Hanoi in Spring” at Viet Art Centre in Hanoi in May 2011; “Thai – Viet Friendship Golf” in Ho Chi Minh City in June 2011; “Recover Eye Sight for Poor Blind People” in Ho Chi Minh City in June 2011; The visit to Hai Phong of H.T.M.S. Narathiwat of the Royal Thai Navy in May 2011; “Thai-Vietnamese Youth Exchange Project” in Thailand in July 2011; “Photo Exhibition” at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hanoi in August 2011; “Thailand Trade Exhibition” in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi in August 2011; “Thai Cultural Show” in Ho Chi Minh City in August 2011; “Jazz Concert Honouring His Majesty the King's Compositions” in Ho Chi Minh City in August 2011; and “Photo Exhibition” at Lam Son Park and Vietnamese universities in Ho Chi Minh City in August – September 2011.
Vietnamese
