BANGKOK — The Japan-Vietnam-Thailand Trade & Tourism Connection Forum took place on March 15 in Udon Thani province, Thailand, bringing together business leaders and policymakers to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration.

This inaugural event was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Consulates General in Japan's Fukuoka and Khon Kaen of Thailand, in partnership with business associations, Vietnamese community organisations and Vietnamese entrepreneurs in both countries.

The forum aimed to foster greater economic ties and market access among the three nations.

In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vũ Chi Mai highlighted that as the world and the region are facing numerous traditional and non-traditional challenges, the Vietnamese business communities, both at home and abroad, are actively seeking solutions to navigate these difficulties.

The forum, she noted, provides a vital platform for businesses to explore new markets, establish strategic partnerships, and expand operations in the region.

It also helps increase the global presence of the Vietnamese community, fostering connections between overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs and their homeland, she added.

Over 100 enterprises, primarily from the Vietnamese diasporas in Thailand and Japan, participated in the forum. They got updated on investment opportunities across Việt Nam, Thailand and Japan, focusing on such fields as tourism, logistics, food production and processing, technology and innovation, renewable energy, supporting industries, and electronic components.

These industries are expected to play a crucial role in driving deeper economic cooperation among the three nations.

Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Đinh Hoàng Linh noted the strong cultural and economic ties among Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, emphasising the growing momentum in trade and investment collaboration.

He held that Fukuoka, northeastern Thailand, and central Việt Nam could form an important economic triangle, bringing practical benefits to regional economic development.

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of four cooperation agreements between Thai and Japanese enterprises, focusing on strengthening business networks, workforce development, and trilateral trade and import-export cooperation. — VNS