Putrajaya: Thailand is confident of achieving its US$30 billion (US$1=RM4.073) bilateral trade target with Malaysia by 2027, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said. He noted that Malaysia is currently Thailand's largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$28 billion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anutin expressed confidence in reaching the US$30 billion target soon, citing ongoing cooperation efforts. He mentioned plans to meet with the joint trade committee to establish a new, more ambitious trade target. This was announced during a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex.

Anutin also highlighted Thailand's commitment to enhancing regional value chains and supply chains by leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies. He emphasized future focus areas such as food security, energy security, and the digital economy, including high-tech industries.

Anwar responded to the trade target by assuring that Malaysia would work diligently to achieve it, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) spearheading the efforts. He stated the importance of strengthening the economy and trade to bolster friendship and collaboration in various sectors, including tourism.

The bilateral meeting between Anutin and Anwar at the Perdana Putra Complex aimed to review the progress of Malaysia-Thailand relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. Anutin's two-day official visit to Malaysia marks his first since his reappointment as prime minister in March 2026, intending to fortify the close bilateral ties and deepen collaboration in mutual interest areas.