Bangkok: Thai and Myanmar leaders have agreed to cooperate across multiple dimensions, expressing their intent to revitalize bilateral trade within this year.
According to Thai News Agency, speaking at the "Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum" alongside Myanmar President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that morning bilateral discussions yielded a shared commitment to advance concrete cooperation.
Anutin emphasized that the primary duty of both governments is to support public well-being, employment, and safety regardless of internal or external political situations, ensuring business continuity. Both leaders expressed determination to revive trade and investment momentum within the year.
Both sides welcomed the reopening of the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge (Mae Sot-Myawaddy) and agreed to address regulatory obstacles to restore cargo transport efficiency. They also agreed to consider opening additional border crossing points where ready to facilitate trade and movement.
The countries set a target to increase bilateral trade value from the current $7.4 billion to $12 billion. Thailand offered to host the Joint Trade Committee meeting at the commerce minister level to advance this goal.
Additionally, a joint working group on connectivity will be established to develop infrastructure, transport, and logistics. Relevant agencies were instructed to streamline regulations to enable Thai private sector expansion in Myanmar's energy, agriculture, agro-industry, real estate, and tourism sectors.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anutin stated that amid the restructuring of global supply chains, Thailand and Myanmar possess the highest potential in the region. He noted that efficiently collaborating to connect transport routes and cargo logistics across both coasts will unlock opportunities, drive economic progress, and lead to shared, sustainable growth.