Hanoi (VNA) — Thailand and Laos have set a target of raising bilateral trade to 11 billion USD by 2027, with a focus on logistics, agriculture and cross-border trade to strengthen economic ties.
The goal was announced at the eight Thailand–Laos joint cooperation plan meeting, held on December 17 in Bangkok. The meeting was co-chaired by Thai Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun and Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith.
The two sides discussed expanding economic cooperation and positioning Thailand and Laos as key transport and logistics hubs in the Mekong River basin, facilitating trade between ASEAN and China.
Both countries agreed to increase bilateral trade from over 8.2 billion USD in 2024 lto 11 billion USD by 2027, the highest level in a decade. They will also develop a five-year cooperation plan for 2026–2030, with clear timelines. The plan will also revitalise agricultural mechanisms to develop product standards and strengthen the supply chain from farm to market, aiming to become a global food security hub, focusing on agricultural products free from burning to reduce cross-border PM 2.5 pollution.
Another key topic was improving the efficiency of the Laos–China railway, including cutting procedures and transit time for goods from Thailand and eliminating transshipment between different modes of transport. The two sides also discussed transparent transport fee structures to help businesses better plan logistics costs, in line with Laos’ “land-linked” strategy.
The meeting also agreed on exchanging statistics on key import-export products, including fuel, which is currently controlled for export at the permanent border checkpoint in Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani. Laos has confirmed that oil imports from Thailand are for domestic use only and not for export to third countries.
Suphajee further stated that the meeting also provided an opportunity for the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) of Thailand and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss private sector collaboration.
A joint private sector committee and subcommittees will be set up to focus on areas such as production and supply chains, trade and branding, tourism, policy and regulations, digital development and AI, and finance, ensuring continuous engagement between the private sectors of both countries.
Laos is Thailand’s 7th largest trading partner in ASEAN and 18th globally.
In 2024, two-way trade amounted to 8.28 billion USD, with Thailand exporting 4.93 billion USD and importing 3.36 billion USD, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.57 billion USD. From January to October 2025, the figure grew by 18.65% to 8.18 billion USD, with Thai exports increasing by 16.90% to 4.81 billion USD and imports rising by 21.23% to 3.60 billion USD.
Thailand’s key exports to Laos include refined petroleum, gems and jewellery, chemicals, cars, equipment and parts, and sugar, while imports from Laos include electricity, vegetables, fruits, processed vegetable and fruit products, jewellery, gemstones, and gold./.
