Vietnam Eyes Stronger Economic Ties, Direct Air Link With Bangladesh

Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its traditional friendship with Bangladesh, with the two countries exploring new areas of cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, healthcare and connectivity.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong made the remarks at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Vietnam in Dhaka on Sunday to mark the 81st National Day of Vietnam.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam attended the reception as the chief guest.

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives of international organisations, senior government officials and members of the Vietnamese community in Bangladesh attended the event.

Recalling September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence, Cuong said the historic declaration marked the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

He highlighted Vietnam’s economic transformation over more than four decades under the Doi Moi, or Renovation, policy and economic opening-up.

“From a poor nation, Vietnam has risen to become a dynamic economy with a population of more than 100 million people,” he said.

The ambassador said Vietnam’s GDP reached around $514 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd globally, while the economy grew by 8.02 percent.

Its total import-export turnover stood at around $930 billion in 2025, with a trade surplus of about $20 billion, he said, adding that Vietnam is currently implementing 17 free trade agreements.

Foreign direct investment also remained strong, with registered FDI exceeding $38.4 billion in 2025, particularly in high-quality projects, Cuong said.

Turning to bilateral relations, he said Bangladesh and Vietnam have “vast potential” to expand cooperation in industries, agriculture, logistics, technology, healthcare and tourism.

“Both sides are working to finalise negotiations on a new air transport agreement to launch direct flights between Hanoi and Dhaka,” he said.

The proposed direct air link would provide fresh momentum to tourism, healthcare, people-to-people exchanges and bilateral trade, the ambassador added.

Cuong also congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026-2027 term.

He praised the strategic priorities outlined in Bangladesh’s national budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.

The ambassador said the Vietnamese embassy would continue working to deepen bilateral relations through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.

“We will continue to serve as a strong bridge to further deepen the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Bangladesh in a practical and effective manner for the mutual benefit of both peoples,” he said.