At a reception for Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimapragorn in Ha Noi 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 for their farmers.

A boost should be given to collaboration in trade and investment, he said, citing opportunities awaiting Thai investors after Vietnam engages in many new-generation free-trade agreements.

Vietnam boasts abundant and skilled 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 cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand in regional and international forums, Prime Minister Phuc 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 Vietnam-Thailand joint cabinet retreats, he said.

Thanasak 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 Vietnam, he said.

He conveyed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s invitation to Phuc 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 on August 6.

Talks on joint efforts

Thai deputy prime minister met with his counterpart, Vu Duc Dam, during which they shared the view that Vietnam and Thailand hold substantial potential for cooperation in economy, trade and investment that can bring annual bilateral trade to $20 billion.

They agreed on the need for the two countries to soon reach a plan on tourism cooperation for 2016-18 and foster their partnership in education.

The two countries consented to continue cooperating with other Asean member countries in order to maintain the intra-bloc solidarity and carry forward the 10-member group’s central role and common voice on regional and international issues.

Thanasak was also welcomed to the country by National Assembly Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty, who thanked the Thai government and Thais for their $100,000 aid package for Vietnam’s southern provinces stricken by drought and saltwater intrusion.

Ty said he hoped the two countries continued exchanging delegations at all levels, effectively implemented their co-operation mechanisms and agreements, paid more heed to the role played by each country’s legislative body and step up cooperation between their parliamentarians.

Thanasak pledged to make all-out efforts to consolidate and strengthen collaborations between the two nations across all fields. His four-day visit finishes tomorrow.