At a meeting with Thai enterprises in Bangkok, on August 18, during his official visit to Thailand, Phuc stated that the Vietnamese economy is now worth over US$220 billion and the country is striving to meet the basic criteria in the business environment, equivalent to the ASEAN 4 level by 2020. Vietnam is also in a period of golden population with 60% of the population within the working age.
Thai business representatives thanked the Vietnamese government for creating favourable conditions for investors from Thailand, and the ASEAN member states, to join the SMEs equitisation in the country.
They pledged to continue expanding their business operations in Vietnam in the fields of retail, food, farm produce manufacturing and processing, energy, tourism and transport.
Several companies stated that they are learning about Vietnam’s tourist attractions and wish to link up with Vietnamese airlines to increase tourist arrivals in the two countries.
Receiving the Chairman of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Kornrasit Pakchotanon, PM Phuc asked for the acceleration of the construction of a thermal power plant in the central province of Quang Tri.
Pakchotanon pledged to ensure environment protection and the use of advanced technology during the construction process.
Meeting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Group Tos Chirathivat, Phuc hailed the Central Group as one of the largest retailers in the region and for performing well in Vietnam. He also asked the group to bring more Vietnamese farm produce to Thai supermarkets.
The CEO said his company wants to liaison with Vietnamese partners to conduct business in hotels, tourism and retail, adding that the Central Group is ready to sell Vietnamese fruits in Thai supermarkets and to develop agriculture in Vietnam.
During a reception for the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kasikorn Bank (KBank) Banthoon Lamsam, the PM said that the Vietnamese government wants KBank to continue partnering with the State Bank of Vietnam, in addition to the relevant ministries and agencies, to share experience in settling bad debts and helping firms overcome difficulties.
Lamsam said KBank plans to launch a financial support model for Vietnamese businesses, part of the efforts to help the Vietnamese government achieve the goal of having 1 million firms in operation by 2020.
Talking with an executive from Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC), the PM suggested that SCCC continue investing in industrial projects and construction materials using modern technology, as well as transfering technology to Vietnamese partners.
