“Meet Thailand” Conference to open up new economic opportunities for Quang Tri

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People“s Committee, Hoang Nam, shared with the Quang Tri Newspaper the main agenda of the”Meet Thailand" Conference, scheduled to take place in Quang Tri from August 3-4. The conference aims to commemorate the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976 - 2023) and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam - Thailand strategic partnership (2013 - 2023).

Why is the first-time hosting of the "Meet Thailand" conference in Quang Tri Province significant for the locality?

The first “Meet Thailand” conference, organized by the Quang Tri Provincial People"s Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thai Embassy in Vietnam, holds significant importance as it aims to foster connections between localities, organizations, and domestic enterprises with Thai counterparts.

By promoting friendship, cooperation, and investment opportunities in trade and tourism, the event highlights Quang Tri Province"s position along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) in the context of increasing international and regional integration.

This conference serves as a crucial platform for Quang Tri to showcase its potential and advantages to domestic and foreign delegates, focusing on engaging with Thai partners.

In addition, the event facilitates networking and relationship-building between businesses within and outside the province and Thai enterprises, creating opportunities for future cooperation and investments bolstered by the support of ministries, central branches, the Thai Embassy, and Quang Tri Province itself.

The conference provides an opportunity for Quang Tri to receive valuable input from delegates, especially the business community and investors. These inputs can aid in improving mechanisms and policies to attract more investments, thereby supporting the sustainable socio-economic development of the province in the years to come.

What topics and solutions are planned for discussion during the conference?

To achieve the goals set out in the 13th Party Congress and become a developed country by 2045, Vietnam is focusing on advancing as a strong, sustainable, and environmentally friendly nation.

This entails a strong emphasis on applying science, technology, and innovation, with renewable energy and high-tech agriculture sectors being identified as key focus areas. Leaders at all levels are committed to mobilizing domestic and foreign resources to enhance the quality of life and facilitate rapid and sustainable economic growth.

Moreover, Vietnam“s commitment to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) further reinforces the country”s dedication to environmental sustainability.

This vision aligns well with the regional integration efforts along the EWEC, which links Vietnam through Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Quang Tri plays a crucial role in this corridor, along with the emerging transport corridor parallel to the EWEC through La Lay International Border Gate connecting Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Given this regional context, there is a need to develop and strengthen supply chains between Thailand and Vietnam, focusing on the role of provinces and cities along the route and businesses. Due to its strategic location, Quang Tri assumes a significant position in both economic corridors, and the province is actively leveraging this advantage to foster sustainable development in the area for the years ahead.

The utilization of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 3, spanning the Mekong River, has significantly enhanced transportation links along the East-West Economic Corridor, providing greater convenience for connectivity in the region. Photo: D.T

The conference is structured into two main sessions: “Meet Thailand” and “Meeting with Quang Tri - Thailand,” each focusing on specific topics to foster collaboration and investment between Vietnam and Thailand.

During the “Meet Thailand” session, experts from various ministries, central agencies, provinces, cities, and Thai partners come together to discuss two pivotal topics: “Renewable energy and high-tech agriculture” and “Supply Chain Integration on the East-West Economic Corridor.” These topics hold significant importance and have garnered widespread attention as they aim to mobilize resources for national and regional development, including the growth of Quang Tri Province.

The “Meeting with Quang Tri - Thailand” session is dedicated to provincial agencies, businesses, and domestic and foreign enterprises interested in Quang Tri. This session provides a platform for more in-depth and specific discussions regarding potential, opportunities, and mutual interests in promoting investments, trade, and tourism in Quang Tri.

During the conference, there is also a working session between Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee Secretary Le Quang Tung and the Thai Ambassador to Vietnam, alongside leading businesses from Thailand. Additionally, the event features side events, including product exhibitions from Vietnamese and Thai companies, face-to-face meetings between businesses, and a field visit program aimed at connecting potential partners and fostering future collaborations.

The “Meet Thailand” Conference marks the beginning of a series of meetings and connections that will gradually realize the aspirations for investment, trade, and tourism among various provinces and cities in Vietnam, especially Quang Tri, and Thai partners in the future.

Thailand“s significance as Vietnam”s largest trading partner and its increasing proportion of foreign direct investment in Vietnam—ranked 8th out of 140 countries and territories, second only to Singapore among ASEAN nations, and second in the world following Covid-19—underscores the crucial importance of forging closer ties and enhancing collaboration between the two nations.

What has been the progress in preparing for the conference up to this point?

The preparation for the “Meet Thailand” Conference has been an extensive and comprehensive endeavor. With the unwavering attention and guidance of the Standing Provincial Party Committee, seamless coordination between the Provincial People"s Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Thai Embassy in Vietnam, and the dedicated efforts of advisory agencies, the preparation work has reached an advanced stage, covering content, program, logistics, and reception arrangements.

Over 500 delegates have already registered to participate in the conference. Among them are prominent leaders from ministries, central agencies, provinces, and cities across Vietnam and representatives from Thai provinces that share direct relations with Quang Tri.

The conference will also welcome experts from various economic fields and major commercial banks. Significantly, the number of leading enterprises from Thailand and Vietnam within Quang Tri and beyond has surpassed the initial target of 350 delegates.

As a result of this thorough preparation, everything is now in place for this highly anticipated external economic event.

Thank you for your time!

Anh Tuyet - Ngoc Mai