On May 25, as part of his official visit to Malaysia and attendance at the 46th ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before the talks – Photo: VGP
|
The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations, especially after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2024. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized, “The political and diplomatic relations between the two countries are being strengthened, and economic cooperation is a notable bright spot.” In 2024, two-way trade reached 14.2 billion USD, while total Malaysian investment in Vietnam exceeded 13 billion USD, helping Malaysia maintain its position in the top 10 investors in Vietnam.
The two sides acknowledged the many positive cooperation results in the fields of defense, security, energy, education, science and technology, tourism, labor, and people-to-people exchange. On this occasion, Hanoi National University and Ho Chi Minh City National University signed cooperation documents with the National University of Malaysia.
Regarding future orientations, the two Prime Ministers agreed to promote the exchange of delegations and high-level contacts and aim to establish a flexible annual exchange mechanism between the two countries’ leaders. At the same time, the two sides pledged to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms.
The Prime Ministers set a target to increase two-way trade to 20 billion USD by 2030, aiming for a balanced trade relationship. The two sides will reduce trade barriers and promote the import and export of strong products such as agricultural, aquatic, food, electronic components, and construction materials. They will also expand cooperation in digital economy, circular economy, and green economy.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed, “Vietnam is ready to provide a stable and long-term supply of rice to Malaysia,” while also requesting support for the development of the Halal industry and the early signing of a cooperation document in this field.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the talks – Photo: VGP
|
In the field of defense and security, the two sides agreed to promote the signing of relevant documents, strengthen cooperation in defense industry and training, and establish a coordination mechanism between the naval, air, and coast guard forces. The two sides also emphasized the principle of not allowing any individual or organization to use one country’s territory to act against the other.
The two Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of cooperation in marine and ocean affairs, considering the establishment of a consultation mechanism on maritime issues, setting up a hotline to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and supporting Vietnam in removing the “yellow card” imposed by the EC on the seafood industry.
Cooperation in aviation, tourism, education, labor, agriculture, culture, and sports was also promoted. The two sides will consider signing new agreements, increasing flight frequencies, and expanding cooperation programs in training and exchange.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his gratitude and requested that the Malaysian Government continue to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Malaysia and support the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association to operate effectively, contributing to enhancing people-to-people exchange between the two countries.
Regarding multilateral cooperation, the two Prime Ministers appreciated the close coordination and mutual support between the two countries in international organizations. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam would closely coordinate with ASEAN Chair Malaysia and other member countries to implement common priorities, towards an ASEAN that is “Sustainable and Inclusive.”
The two leaders also agreed to maintain ASEAN’s common position on the South China Sea and closely coordinate in negotiating the Code of Conduct (COC), ensuring a substantive and effective COC in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
Immediately after the talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of three cooperation documents: a Letter of Intent between EVN and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB); a Letter of Intent between Ho Chi Minh City National University and the National University of Malaysia; and a Letter of Intent between Hanoi National University and the National University of Malaysia.
By Tung Phong
The Golf Market Swing: Vietnam’s Powerful Drive and Potential for Luxury Sportswear Investments
The Vietnamese golf industry is experiencing a promising growth spurt, attracting significant domestic and foreign investments. As a result, the luxury golf sportswear market has emerged as an enticing prospect, catering to the sophisticated tastes of the country’s elite and passionate golfers.
“Vietnam: A Strategic Market, Captivating US Businesses.”
U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, commended Vietnam’s efforts and goodwill in negotiating the bilateral trade agreement. He emphasized, “Vietnam is an important and attractive market for American businesses.”
“Malaysian Businesses: Strengthen Your Bond with Vietnam, Says Prime Minister”
On the morning of May 25, during his working visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the “Meet Vietnam – Malaysia Businesses” program, organized by the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam in collaboration with the Embassy of Vietnam in Malaysia and the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Tightening Emissions Testing for Motorcycles
Motorcycles and scooters will need to meet Euro 2 emission standards to be allowed on the roads of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from 2027 onwards.
Tightening Emissions Testing for Motorcycles and Scooters
Motorcycles and scooters will need to meet emission standards of Euro 2 and above to be allowed on the roads of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from the year 2027 onwards.
