- Mr. Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vietnam:
Strengthening cooperation in many fields
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Vietnam were established in January 1950 and have traversed a long and glorious path. Based on traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, current bilateral relations continue to develop strongly and comprehensively in many areas, from politics , security, and economics to culture and tourism, in line with the fundamental interests and aspirations of the people of both countries.
A key driver of cooperation is strengthening transportation and logistics connectivity. Both sides are discussing the prospect of building a railway corridor connecting Vietnam with Russia via China and Mongolia, thereby boosting trade and investment and more effectively utilizing the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) signed in 2015. In the aviation sector, there are currently many direct flights from Russia to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang, contributing to the promotion of tourism. From January to October 2025, the number of Russian tourists to Vietnam is expected to nearly triple, reaching approximately 500,000. Maritime transport is also a bright spot for cooperation.
It is impossible not to mention an important collaboration: the two countries have agreed to accelerate the negotiation process and prepare for the signing of agreements to soon begin construction of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant. Within the framework of the cooperation roadmap until 2030, both sides are also promoting the establishment of a Nuclear Science and Technology Center (expected to be located in Dong Nai ) with the most modern research reactor in the region; and training a team of high-quality experts for Vietnam.
Besides infrastructure and energy, agriculture continues to be a substantive area of cooperation. Overall, the foundation of Russia-Vietnam relations is a reliable political dialogue, based on a strong tradition of friendship forged through history. Having withstood the test of time, bilateral relations continue to maintain positive momentum, affirming Vietnam as one of Russia's strategically important partners in the region.
- Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam:
I am particularly impressed with Vietnam's approach.
I believe there are three "keywords" that accurately describe the unique and positive dynamics in current France-Vietnam relations: friendship, partnership, and trust. France and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established after General Secretary To Lam's visit to Paris in October 2024. Immediately afterwards, both sides promptly concretized the new cooperation framework with a series of important agreements, signed during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Vietnam.
We are all very impressed with the scale of the reforms that Vietnam is implementing, with their rapid pace and the remarkable initial results, both at the central and local levels. We, from embassies and partners to development cooperation agencies and foreign businesses, all wish to invest long-term in Vietnam and are very hopeful of seeing concrete results from these reforms soon. I am confident that successful administrative reforms will create strong momentum for expanding bilateral cooperation, including cooperation between France and Vietnam. France is ready to support Vietnam in this process, especially through the administrative cooperation programs that the two countries have developed over many years, from the central to the local levels.
We truly appreciate the ambitious goals that Vietnam has set, and are deeply impressed by the rational, systematic, and coordinated mobilization of resources toward realizing those goals. I am particularly impressed with how Vietnam has implemented large-scale programs in a coordinated and rational manner, particularly in areas such as energy transition and transportation. These initiatives demonstrate that Vietnam not only has a clear vision but also the ability to effectively mobilize and connect domestic and international resources to realize its long-term development goals. Vietnam is a country with immense potential and is also knowing how to harness that potential for development. France highly values the development momentum that Vietnam is pursuing, as well as the goals that Vietnam has set. Within the framework of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we look forward to standing alongside Vietnam on this journey, supporting Vietnam in realizing its long-term development goals and the grand aspirations that your country is pursuing.
- Ms. GILLIAN BIRD, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to Vietnam:
Vietnam's trusted development partner.
The Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (established in 2024) is thriving and arguably at its best stage. For over 50 years, development cooperation between Australia and Vietnam has closely followed Vietnam's progress in innovation and growth. From early days focusing on basic infrastructure like bridges, Australia now prioritizes partnering with Vietnam to address complex challenges on its path to becoming a high-income nation.
Regarding infrastructure development cooperation, the My Thuan Bridge – Australia's largest supported project in 2000 – remains a prime example of bilateral relations. Alongside this are significant contributions in telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure connectivity. Education and training continue to be a prominent pillar of cooperation. Over the past 50 years, more than 7,500 young Vietnamese officials and leaders have received Australian Government scholarships; over 160,000 Vietnamese students have studied in Australia. Upon returning, they hold important roles in the public and private sectors, as well as in non-governmental organizations, making significant contributions to Vietnam's development. RMIT became the first international university to establish a campus in Vietnam. Initiatives such as Aus4Skills (Vietnam-Australia Human Resource Development Cooperation Program) have marked a significant 10-year investment by Australia in human resource development, with over 15,000 students benefiting from high-quality vocational training programs, contributing to expanding Vietnam's skilled workforce and improving productivity.
Australia is one of Vietnam's leading ODA partners. Specifically for the period 2025-2026, Australia has decided to increase its development assistance to AUD 96.6 million to support Vietnam in achieving its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. The Australia-Vietnam Development Partnership Plan for the period 2025-2030 focuses on sustainable growth, human resource development, climate change response, and promoting gender equality. Climate change response and energy transition are also areas of increasingly deep cooperation.
Vietnam aims to become a dynamic, upper-middle-income economy by 2030, more innovative, greener, and more deeply connected to the world. Australia will continue to be a trusted partner on that path. For Australia, development assistance to Vietnam is a strategic investment. A strong, inclusive, and sustainably developed Vietnam will contribute positively to regional security and expand trade and investment opportunities. This will also enable the two countries to continue cooperating to promote a rules-based regional order, respect sovereignty, and address common challenges together. Australia will continue to be a trusted development partner of Vietnam, accompanying it on the long road ahead.
- Ms. MELISSA A. BROWN, U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City:
Let's build a prosperous future together.
Vietnam looks forward to 2045 with the aspiration to become a stronger and more prosperous nation, reflecting the belief, creativity, and resilience of its people. The United States is honored to accompany Vietnam on this journey. The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is committed to further deepening cooperation with the city and the southern region in this new phase of development.
A key priority is supporting U.S. businesses in strengthening their role in the dynamic economic relationship with Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, as the country's economic engine, aims to become a regional hub for technology, high-quality services, modern agriculture, and advanced manufacturing, which aligns perfectly with the vision of the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We look forward to expanding cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, the semiconductor ecosystem, and emerging technologies. U.S. businesses consider Vietnam one of the most vibrant markets in the Indo-Pacific region, and we want Vietnamese consumers and businesses to have more effective access to high-quality U.S. goods and services.
Promoting bilateral trade, particularly in agriculture, remains a central focus of our cooperation. Expanding markets, adopting science-based standards, and fostering market-driven growth will benefit farmers and consumers in both countries, while contributing to Vietnam's goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. Through technical and technological cooperation, we support Vietnam in enhancing its capacity to ensure food security and modernize its agricultural sector, moving towards a safe and sustainable food system for future generations. Energy cooperation also plays a key role. As Vietnam expands and modernizes its energy infrastructure to support development, the U.S. private sector is poised to provide world-class energy products and services to meet its long-term needs. Security cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of our bilateral relationship.
Finally, investing in people is always central to our collaboration. Through educational partnerships, we equip many young Vietnamese people with the skills necessary to succeed in the global knowledge economy. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. May you have a prosperous, peaceful, and successful new year. The United States will always be a trusted partner of Vietnam, working together to build a prosperous future and many opportunities for generations to come.
- Mr. PANG TE CHENG, Singapore Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City:
Sharing experiences, expanding cooperation.
As a comprehensive strategic partner, Singapore is always ready to accompany Vietnam in its era of growth, aiming to become a high-income country by 2045. A major focus of cooperation is upgrading the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP), which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. The two countries aim to expand from the current 20 VSIPs to 30. After nearly three decades, the VSIPs have attracted over US$22 billion in investment and created more than 300,000 direct jobs. The VSIP 2.0 model aims for smart industrial cities, applying renewable energy, advanced wastewater treatment, waste-to-energy incineration, and a circular economy, contributing to promoting green growth in Vietnam.
In the infrastructure and logistics sector, Singapore shares its expertise to enhance connectivity in the southern region. Energy cooperation is opening up transformative avenues. In agriculture, the first rice cooperation agreement, signed in October 2025, lays the foundation for deeper linkages. Singapore aims to import frozen poultry and fresh eggs from southern farms, while also expanding meat exports to Vietnam. Singapore is also supporting Ho Chi Minh City in building the International Finance Centre (IFC), where UOB Bank has increased its charter capital to VND 10 trillion and is constructing UOB Vietnam Plaza in the core area of the IFC.
- Mr. Bruno Jasper, President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham):
Investors want to commit long-term.
Vietnam's current development story demonstrates the resilience of a dynamic economy with high adaptability and fortitude. Despite global fluctuations, Vietnam has maintained a leading positive growth trajectory in Asia, while gradually shifting from rapid growth to sustainable growth through the modernization of logistics infrastructure, expansion of clean energy, and the integration of ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) standards into its industrial policies.
International investor confidence continues to strengthen. EuroCham's Business Confidence Index (BCI) reached its highest level in three years, with 76% of business leaders willing to recommend Vietnam as an attractive investment destination. Vietnam is increasingly seen as a strategic regional hub, not just a standalone market. The Vietnamese government has demonstrated flexibility and a commitment to reform through streamlining administrative procedures, improving the investment environment, accelerating infrastructure development, and reforming visas and work permits. Governance efficiency is shifting from planning to execution, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and tangible results; while maintaining open dialogue with the private sector.
Despite remaining challenges, Vietnam's determination to improve is clear. Having lived and worked in Vietnam for over eight years, I've found that the proactive and dynamic spirit of the Vietnamese government and people is the reason investors remain committed for the long term. According to a EuroCham survey, 80% of European businesses are optimistic about the prospects for the next five years, reflecting long-term confidence in Vietnam's investment environment.
To maintain and enhance its development momentum, I believe Vietnam needs to focus on three pillars: perfecting a consistent legal framework; accelerating green and digital transformation; and developing human resources and an innovation ecosystem. People are the most valuable asset, and promoting talent mobility and skills transfer will be key to Vietnam enhancing its competitiveness and realizing its goal of becoming a developed, high-income country.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dong-hanh-cung-viet-nam-post838062.html
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