Today, with the Trans-Asia Road and the Lao Bao Border Gate rested on the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) which passes through Laos, Thailand and Myanmar; the Huu Nghi 2 (Friendship) Bridge connecting Lao Bao International Border Gate and La Lay International Border Gate (Quang Tri province) with Mukdahan International Border Gate and Udon Thani International Border Gate (Thailand), enterprises in Quang Tri province in general and Sepon Group in particular have an advantage to form business cooperation with companies in Laos and Thailand and beyond. 

Since 1997, when the two countries signed agreements on ordinary passport facilitation and especially after they upgraded their ties to strategic relationship and the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) took effect, Sepon Group has stepped up cooperation with Thai businesses. Every year, the corporation imports a variety of products from Thailand, such as JCP and Pioner plastic, Epo washing liquid and exports pepper, iron, rubber, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and other commodities to Thailand. 

Sepon Travel has brought thousands of tourists to visit landscapes in Quang Tri province like Con Co Island, Cua Viet Beach, Cua Tung Beach as well as other places of interest in Vietnam and Thailand.

For almost 30 years, the relationship between Sepon Group with Thai partners has been based on the spirit of win-win cooperation, mutual benefits, trustworthiness and law observance. This relationship is very fine, potential and abiding.

These economic cooperation achievements are very positive in recent years although they are under expectations since we have only focused on trade with traditional products but not expanded to new products to fit new situations. Both sides based on results achieved to propose new schemes to catch up with new situations and trends. Thailand has experience in consumer goods production and distribution while Vietnam has the advantage of cheap labour. In addition, we also need to utilise tax incentives offered by trade pacts. In addition, we have a very few of actually effective trade promotion events. Currently, with strong supports from the two governments and initiatives of localities like Quang Tri province, Mukdahan province and other provinces, the two-way relationship will be surely lifted to a new high.

Quang Tri province has fertile soil and favourable climate to grow valuable crops. Quang Tri, the first province of Vietnam to connect with the Trans-Asia Road, has many famous historical sites, 75-km coastlines with many clean and beautiful white sand dunes, hot springs and untapped primeval forests. If both sides cooperate in promoting tourism and reasonably tap tourism potential, they will attract a lot of tourists from South Laos and Northeast Thailand.

In the past time, in response to the Government’s message “Vietnam businesses - Momentum for economic development,” the administration has actively supported businesses to expand operations. In boosting economic ties with other nations, including Thailand, enterprises play a very important role because they directly perform a trade. So, it is necessary to form a close link between the government and enterprises, ensuring transparency and efficiency to motivate development. To realise the message, localities must be resolute to have detailed guidance and solutions and change their working attitude from administration to service.

Regarding international cooperation, we do well at the macro level but some limitations emerge in carrying out policies because of impracticality and weak coordination with enterprises. Therefore, localities need to select some powerful companies to lead others to carry out policies and projects to create trust and expand development models.

At present, the Government of Thailand has provided valuable, well-prepared supports for its businesses to increase their presences in Indochina and Myanmar. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Government and localities must foster supports in production investment, tourism development, investment promotion, interest rate subsidy and tax breaks. In addition, they need to work harder to have support and encouragement policies for Vietnamese companies like Sepon Group to have effective cooperation with Thai partners.
N.Nga