Hanoi: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, accompanied by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, attended the Thailand-Viet Nam Investment and Business Networking 2026 conference in Hanoi. Ekniti emphasized the importance of Thailand and Vietnam growing together and enhancing their economic partnership to form a new growth base for ASEAN through three connectivity initiatives.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekniti highlighted that the relationship between Thailand and Vietnam is transitioning from a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' into concrete economic cooperation. This shift comes amidst global economic challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain restructuring, energy transitions, and rapid technological advancements. As global investors seek stable and resilient production bases, this presents significant opportunities for Thailand and Vietnam, which can effectively complement each other's strengths.
Ekniti encouraged both countries to move beyond viewing one another as competitors and to embrace the concept of being "growth partners" to create shared value. By systematically linking their strengths, they can become crucial economic bases in the region, more robustly connected to global value chains.
The 'Three Connects' strategy unveiled by Ekniti includes supply chain linkages, connecting local economies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and linking green growth strategies. This serves as a guideline for the private sectors in both countries to leverage each other's strengths, create new business opportunities, and enhance ASEAN's global competitiveness.
During the conference, representatives from Thailand's private sector in clean energy, digital technology, AI and semiconductors, food and beverage, hospitality and tourism, and industrial estates met with Vietnamese businesses. These sectors align with global investment trends and offer mutual benefits for both countries.
In clean energy, collaboration can support modern industries and environmentally friendly production. In digital technology, AI, and semiconductors, the potential exists to link production, technology, and human resources, increasing ASEAN's role in global supply chains. In food and beverages, cooperation aims to elevate standards and create a global hub for high-quality food production.
In the tourism sector, the concept of "One Trip, Two Experiences" could enhance tourism value and distribute income locally. Additionally, linking industrial estates and supply chains will bolster the manufacturing base in the region. Ekniti stressed the significance of "financial systems," particularly cross-border payment systems like Thailand's PromptPay and Vietnam's VietQR, to facilitate trade, investment, and tourism.
Moreover, Thailand and Vietnam are working to promote the use of local currencies, the baht and dong, for transactions to reduce exchange rate volatility risks and provide business flexibility amid global financial uncertainties.
Ekniti reiterated Thailand's commitment to working with Vietnam's government, private sector, and citizens to implement these initiatives. He encouraged private sectors from both countries to collaborate, transforming opportunities into agreements, investments, and ultimately shared prosperity.