VIANTIANE – Thailand and Brunei Darussalam have held bilateral talks during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, focusing on strengthening economic ties and advancing key areas of collaboration, including joint investments, tax agreements, and the development of the halal industry.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, during the meetings.
Both leaders agreed to boost economic cooperation through partnerships between the Government Pension Fund (GPF) of Thailand and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) to accelerate joint investments. They also discussed advancing the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion.
Brunei expressed its readiness to push forward a Memorandum of Understanding on halal-related cooperation, focusing on food security and investments in the halal food industry. Both countries also agreed to facilitate trade in agricultural products and explore technical cooperation in sustainable agriculture and water management.
Brunei commended Thailand’s contributions to its economic growth and expressed a shared commitment to expanding collaboration. The discussions reflect a mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations and address regional challenges, with both countries aiming to strengthen ties in food security and investment. (NNT)
