Vietnam eyes stronger economic ties with Bangladesh, direct air link

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

Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong made the remarks while addressing a reception hosted by the Embassy of Vietnam in Dhaka on Sunday to celebrate 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 officials of the Bangladesh government and members of the Vietnamese community living, working and studying in Bangladesh attended the programme.

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

He highlighted Vietnam's transformation over more than four decades of the Doi Moi (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," Cuong said.

The ambassador said Vietnam's GDP reached approximately $514 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd in the world, while the economy grew by 8.02%.

The country's 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 total registered FDI reaching more than $38.4 billion in 2025, particularly in high-quality projects, the ambassador said.

Turning to Bangladesh-Vietnam relations, Cuong said there remains "vast potential" to expand cooperation in a range of sectors, including industry, 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," the ambassador said.

He said the proposed direct air connectivity would create fresh momentum for tourism, healthcare, people-to-people exchanges and bilateral trade.

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

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

Cuong said the Vietnamese embassy would continue working to deepen bilateral relations in practical and mutually beneficial ways.

"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.