Thailand and Vietnam expand ties in trade, technology and innovation
A Ho Chi Minh City ceremony marking 50 years of diplomatic relations highlighted a US$25 billion trade goal and broader cooperation.
- Thailand and Vietnam are deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership, marked by recent high-level official visits, as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
- The two nations aim to increase bilateral trade to $25 billion, utilizing a "three connects" strategy focused on supply chains, local economies, and sustainable development.
- Cooperation is expanding beyond existing areas like tourism into new fields, including digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, and the green economy.
Officials from Thailand and Vietnam called for broader cooperation at a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on August 21 marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian countries.
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, chairman of the Advisory Board to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, described a relationship that had become steadily stronger across five decades.
He said activity during the anniversary year demonstrated its momentum.
He pointed to the official visit to Thailand by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam from May 27 to 29, and the official visit to Vietnam by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on June 8.
“These high-level exchanges demonstrated the strong commitment of both countries to deepening our comprehensive strategic partnership and provided an opportunity to mark our 50th anniversary at the highest level,” Parnpree said.
Parnpree added that links among people, businesses and communities had brought the two countries progressively closer.
He called for further cooperation in investment, trade, innovation and technology, together with more opportunities for younger generations, communities and businesses.
“As close ASEAN partners, Thailand and Vietnam also have much to contribute together. By working together, we can help build a stronger, more connected, more resilient and more prosperous ASEAN,” he said.
Hoang Nguyen Dinh, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, looked back to August 6, 1976, when Vietnam and the Kingdom of Thailand established diplomatic relations and began a new period in their bilateral relationship.
He said the ensuing 50 years brought continuous consolidation and successive upgrades, including the Strategic Partnership in 2013 and the move to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025.
“In this new stage of development, Vietnam and Thailand share not only strategic interests, but also increasingly convergent development visions. Through the ‘three connects’ strategy, including connecting supply chains, connecting local economies, and connecting sustainable development strategies, our two countries are forging closer and more mutually reinforcing economic linkages, with the shared goal of raising bilateral trade to $25 billion at an early date,” Dinh said.
Thailand is one of Vietnam’s leading economic partners in ASEAN, according to Dinh.
Bilateral trade exceeded US$22 billion in 2025.
Existing cooperation covers tourism, people-to-people exchanges, education and culture.
Both countries are widening their work to digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, green energy and the green economy.
Dinh pledged that Ho Chi Minh City would act as an active bridge, deepening friendship between the two peoples and strengthening connections between Thailand and Vietnam.
He said the city would also foster closer links with Bangkok and other Thai localities.
The gathering was jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Its opening programme featured music and dance reflecting the distinctive cultures of Thailand and Vietnam.
Source: Vietnam News
