Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on August 4 proposed elevating the relationship between Thailand and Indonesia from “trading partners” to “co-creative partners,” linking production, investment, technology, and innovation to build strong value chains and expand economic opportunities in ASEAN.
As reported by Thairath Online, the leader made the statement while delivering a keynote speech at the Indonesia–Thailand Business Forum under the theme “Advancing the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and Halal Economy.” The event was organised by the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia).
He expressed gratitude to Kadin Indonesia and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia for organising the forum that bridges government and private sectors to push cooperation into concrete projects.
The PM stated that Thailand and Indonesia should connect the “mainland and archipelago” by using Thailand as a manufacturing hub and Indonesia as a large market and maritime economic gateway.
Amid global economic volatility, he stressed that deeper ASEAN economic integration “is not an option but a necessity,” with Thailand and Indonesia as key drivers.
“The government must reduce obstacles, build confidence, and clarify regulations to enable the private sector to invest and innovate to its fullest potential,” he said.
He pointed out that the next goal should go beyond “trade” to “joint investment, technology, and regional value addition,” proposing four main areas of cooperation, namely food security and halal industry; logistics, transportation, and digital infrastructure; finance and the digital economy; and energy and the green economy.
Currently, trade between the two countries is nearly 20 billion USD, with a target of reaching 23 billion USD soon./.
Indonesia, Thailand target 20 bln USD in two-way trade by 2030
Indonesia and Thailand aim to increase bilateral trade to 20 billion USD by 2030 under an expanded strategic partnership covering the economic, energy and agricultural sectors, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced on August 3.
