Addressing a seminar entitled “Vietnam today: Opportunities for Thai businesses” in Bangkok on May 22, Mr Manasapak said that trade and economic ties between the two countries have developed considerably, especially after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Kittipong Na Ranong said that Vietnam was moving forward quickly. The country now has great conditions and chances to attract Thai investors, including close locations, abundance of materials, cheap labour force and a 83-million population, the diplomat said.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Nguyen Duy Hung told the participants at the seminar that most foreign investors consider Vietnam as a good destination for investment with an open investment environment; cheap, educated and skilled labour force and cheap raw materials.

The three-day seminar, co-organised by the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association, the Investor Club Association and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, has drawn representatives from various Thai business groups, including the Amata Group, Cement Group and the Bank of Thailand.