Vietnam seeks stronger economic ties with Bangladesh, eyes direct air connectivity

Vietnam has reiterated its commitment to deepening its longstanding friendship with Bangladesh, as both countries explore new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, healthcare and connectivity.

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

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam attended the event as the chief guest. Diplomats based in Dhaka, representatives of international organisations, senior Bangladeshi government officials and members of the Vietnamese community in Bangladesh were also present.

Recalling September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence, Cuong said the historic proclamation marked the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The ambassador highlighted Vietnam’s economic transformation over more than four decades of the Doi Moi, or Renovation, policy and its broader 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.

Vietnam’s GDP reached around $514 billion in 2025, making it the world’s 32nd-largest economy, while its economy expanded by 8.02%, he said.

The country’s total import-export turnover stood at approximately $930 billion in 2025, generating a trade surplus of around $20 billion. Vietnam is currently implementing 17 free trade agreements, the ambassador added.

He said foreign investment also remained robust, with registered FDI exceeding $38.4 billion in 2025, particularly in high-quality projects.

On bilateral relations, Cuong said Bangladesh and Vietnam have “vast potential” to expand cooperation in industries including 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.

According to the ambassador, the proposed direct air link could provide fresh momentum to tourism, healthcare cooperation, people-to-people contacts and bilateral trade.

Cuong also congratulated Bangladesh 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 set out in Bangladesh’s national budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The ambassador said the Vietnamese Embassy would continue working to strengthen bilateral relations through practical and mutually beneficial initiatives.

“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.