PM Abhisit satisfied with first visit to Vietnam

HANOI, July 11 (TNA) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday expressed satisfaction regarding his first official visit to Vietnam, saying bilateral relations between two neighbouring countries had expanded smoothly in all areas.

The Thai premier said he had discussed many issues with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung. One key issue is to resume the process of having joint cabinet meetings, the first of which was held in Danang in February 2004.

“Issues raised for discussion at this meeting will be more concise. It needs not be attended by all cabinet members. We will make it happen as soon as possible,” he said.

Regarding bilateral trade and investment cooperation, Mr. Abhisit said he and his Vietnamese counterpart pledged to boost it although both countries had been affected by the global economic crisis.

The Board of Investment (BoI) plan to set up an agency to supervise overseas investment by Thais would greatly benefit such cooperation as the number of Thai investors in Vietnam had gradually increased.

He said both parties also supported building the road and railway transport network link, particularly between ASEAN members.

Currently, Vietnam’s rail system is already linked with that of China.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will visit Beijing soon to continue forging the transport network link with Thailand’s northeastern region, he said.

The project, if successfully implemented, would make the Northeast become a gateway to Indochina.

It would help expand the production base in both countries and boost tourism in the region, Mr. Abhisit said. (TNA)