VN, Thailand work to ensure Mekong river water usage
VIETNAM and Thailand will work closely together and with international organisations to manage the Mekong River’s resources efficiently.
That was agreed upon by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Deputy Thai Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak during their meeting on the sidelines of ACMECS 7, CLMV 8 and WEF-Mekong here yesterday.
The two countries will coordinate with other Asean members to promote the bloc’s central role in regional and international issues, they said.
On behalf of the Vietnamese government, Phuc sent his condolences to the Thai people on the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, calling his passing a great loss to Thailand.
He noted that ACMECS 7, CLMV 8 and WEF-Mekong allow countries to discuss programmes suitable for their potential and seek solutions to improve the efficiency of cooperation and raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion (Bt700 billion) by 2020.
He praised Thai-invested projects in Vietnam and pledged optimal conditions for Thai businessmen.
The two countries should boost cooperation in labour, he said, suggesting the Thai government support Vietnamese workers in Thailand.
He also proposed the two countries sign cooperation deals on creativeness, science and technology and establish a fisheries hotline to tackle issues at sea.
Somkid showed his delight at intensified bilateral ties, especially since the countries set up a strategic partnership in 2013.
Thai investors in Vietnam are leading enterprises in Thailand.
More Thai businessmen are expected to pour money into finance, banking, thermo-electricity and oil refineries in Vietnam.
Somkid pledged to assist Vietnamese businesses operating in Thailand.