Vietnam, Thailand work to ensure Mekong river water usage

Vietnam and Thailand will work closely together and with international organizations to manage the Mekong River’s resources efficiently. That was agreed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak during their meeting on the sidelines of ACMECS 7, CLMV 8 and WEF-Mekong in Hanoi on Oct 25. The two countries will co-ordinate with other ASEAN members to promote the bloc’s central role in regional and international issues, they said. On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, PM Phuc sent his condolences to Thai people on the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, calling his passing a great loss to Thailand. He noted that ACMECS 7, CLMV 8 and WEF-Mekong allow countries to discuss programs suitable for their respective potential and seek solutions to improve the efficiency of co-operation and raise bilateral trade value to $20 billion by 2020. He praised Thai-invested projects in Vietnam and pledged optimal conditions for Thai businesspeople. The two countries should boost co-operation in labor, he said, suggesting the Thai government support Vietnamese laborers in Thailand. He also proposed the two countries sign co-operation deals on creativeness, science and technology and establish a hotline on fisheries to tackle issues at sea. The Thai Deputy PM showed his delight at intensified bilateral ties, especially since the countries set up a strategic partnership in 2013. Thai investors in Vietnam are leading enterprises in Thailand. More Thai businesspeople are expected to pour money into finance, banking, thermo-electricity, and oil refineries in Vietnam.  The Thai Deputy PM pledged to assist Vietnamese businesses operating in Thailand. (Vietnam News Agency Oct 26)