The dialogue aims to strengthen trade and investment links, positioning Khon Kaen as a central economic hub for the region.
The College of Graduate Study in Management, Khon Kaen University (MBA KKU), hosted the “Thailand–Vietnam Trade Dialogue 2026.” The event was formally opened by Dr. Sakchai Jarernsiripornkul, Dean of the College of Graduate Study in Management, who presided over the ceremony. A keynote address was delivered by Mr. Đinh Hoàng Linh, Consul General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Khon Kaen. The dialogue was well-attended by distinguished speakers from leading public and private organisations, alongside representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries, Northeastern Region; the Provincial Chamber of Commerce; and numerous entrepreneurs and business stakeholders.
The Thailand–Vietnam Trade Dialogue 2026 was organised in alignment with the mission of the College of Graduate Study in Management to foster international trade and investment cooperation. This initiative supports Khon Kaen University’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, which focuses on enhancing internationalisation and building partnerships with countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The event serves to advance the “New Isan” model, a vision aimed at fully integrating the region into the global economy.
Dr. Sakchai Jarernsiripornkul remarked that the forum was more than an academic exchange; it served as a vital platform for creating tangible business opportunities between Thai and Vietnamese entrepreneurs. He affirmed that Khon Kaen University is prepared to act as a key mechanism in connecting the Isan region with neighbouring countries to establish stable and sustainable long-term economic relationships.
In his keynote address on the economic, trade, and investment landscape between Thailand and Vietnam, Mr. Đinh Hoàng Linh shared several key insights.
“Thailand and Vietnam are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations, with bilateral trade reaching a remarkable US$22.1 billion last year. Thailand stands as Vietnam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, reflecting the strong and continually growing economic ties between our two nations.”
“Vietnam is currently entering a new economic era (2026–2030), with ambitious goals of achieving an average annual economic growth rate of 10% and a per capita income of approximately US$8,500 by 2030. We are actively transitioning from a manufacturing hub to a fully-fledged technology and digital economy. Our objective is to become a developing country with modern industries by 2030 and to achieve the status of a high-income, developed nation by 2045.”
To achieve these objectives, the Vietnamese government has outlined a three-pronged economic strategy: reforming the legal and administrative systems to be transparent and investment-friendly; developing modern infrastructure, including high-speed railways, expressways, logistics centres, and digital infrastructure to connect with global supply chains; and upgrading human resources from a low-cost labour force to one suited for a technology-driven, innovative, and green economy.
“For Thai entrepreneurs, Vietnam presents business opportunities that should not be overlooked. With a large market of over 100 million people, a young workforce, multiple free trade agreements, and attractive investment incentives, the potential is immense. Currently, there are over 789 projects operated by Thai investors in Vietnam across diverse industries such as manufacturing, retail, food and agriculture, energy, logistics, and technology. If Thai entrepreneurs conduct thorough market research, forge alliances with local businesses, and develop a long-term business plan, Vietnam will become both a key market and a high-potential investment base in the near future,” he concluded.
The panel discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Harit Intakanok and featured distinguished speakers from the public and private sectors, including: Ms. Taneeya Foocharoen, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) at the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi; Ms. Wannipa Pipopchaiyasit, Director of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Regional Investment and Economic Centre 3 (Khon Kaen); Mr. Somchat Pongpanakrai, Chairman of the Northeastern Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Kemchat Somjaiwong, Honorary Chairman of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Jumlong Wongkittithon, Vice President of the Mukdahan Chamber of Commerce. The discussion provided in-depth perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for expanding trade and investment collaboration between Thailand and Vietnam.
Another highlight of the event was the Business Matching & Networking session and a tour of exhibition booths showcasing products and services from various entrepreneurs. These activities provided a tangible platform for discussion, experience sharing, and the creation of new partnership opportunities among government officials, private sector representatives, and entrepreneurs from both countries. The event marks another significant step for the College of Graduate Study in Management, Khon Kaen University, in laying the foundation for a network of cooperation in trade, investment, and a sustainable future relationship between Thailand and Vietnam.
