Yangon: Myanmar's leader emphasized that Thailand remains a vital trade and investment partner for the nation during a business forum detailing future economic cooperation.

According to Thai News Agency, speaking at the "Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum," Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the strong ties between the neighboring countries, citing over 76 years of diplomatic relations upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2018.

Thailand stands as Myanmar's third-largest foreign investor, with cumulative investments exceeding $4.6 billion across more than 100 projects in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, and tourism. Bilateral trade continues to grow, driven by Myanmar's natural gas and agricultural exports to Thailand alongside imports of Thai industrial goods, machinery, and consumer products.

To support business operations, both nations established measures including a direct Thai Baht-Myanmar Kyat settlement mechanism for border trade initiated in 2022 to lower foreign exchange risks and costs. Additional frameworks include investment protection agreements and tax incentives for targeted industries.

Myanmar is also focusing on regional logistics connectivity, specifically promoting the Dawei Special Economic Zone and deep-sea port project, alongside land and sea routes under regional cooperation frameworks such as ACMECS, BIMSTEC, and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This will help open a trade gateway connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, positioning Thailand and Myanmar as key supply chain hubs in ASEAN.

Min Aung Hlaing invited Thai investors to expand trade and investment in Myanmar, particularly in renewable energy, agro-processing, fertilizers, textiles, healthcare, and digital technology, stating the government is prepared to streamline regulations and work closely with the Thai private sector.