A new chapter in Vietnam-Singapore relations.

Vietnam-Singapore relations have yielded significant achievements over the past half-century and will continue to develop strongly and substantively in the new phase. This was the general consensus of many delegates attending events held in both countries in 2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership.

Cultural performances at the anniversary celebration held in Hanoi .

The significant milestones and outstanding achievements that the two countries have attained over the past 50 years were recalled by both sides through commemorative activities. Vietnam and Singapore officially established diplomatic relations in 1973.

The relationship between the two countries was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2013. Over the years, numerous high-level and other visits and contacts across all channels have been maintained and have increased in frequency. This has laid the groundwork for promoting extensive cooperation between the two sides in many fields.

Economic , trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries serves as a model for bilateral economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Vietnam and Singapore consistently rank among each other's top 15 trading partners. Bilateral trade reached approximately US$9.15 billion in 2022, an increase of 11.6% compared to 2021.

In the first six months of 2023, bilateral trade reached approximately US$4.5 billion. Singapore is a leading economic partner of Vietnam in the region. The island nation ranks second among countries and territories and maintains its leading position in ASEAN in terms of investment in Vietnam with 3,274 active projects and a total registered capital of approximately US$73.5 billion.

As Singapore's Ambassador to Vietnam, Jaya Ratnam, and other delegates attending the commemoration ceremony in Hanoi noted, the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs), stretching from north to south, are a prime example of economic cooperation between the two countries. Currently, there are 14 VSIPs in 10 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Established in February 2023, the Vietnam-Singapore Digital and Green Economy Partnership has contributed to opening up new cooperation opportunities between the two countries in many fields.

Ambassador Jaya Ratnam expressed confidence that, with the new priorities under this partnership framework, economic cooperation between the two countries will develop even more strongly.

In the defense and security sector, both sides maintain high-level delegation exchanges and annual dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. Cooperation between the two countries in fields such as finance, banking, education, training, and justice continues to be strengthened. People-to-people exchanges make a significant contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the people of the two countries.

The celebrations, the "50-10" logo design contest, and a series of cultural, sports, and business exchange events held in both Vietnam and Singapore this year have contributed to highlighting milestones in the bilateral relationship and further strengthening the friendship between the people of the two countries.

Vietnam and Singapore participate in many multilateral organizations and forums, sharing positions on numerous international and regional issues. As important and influential members of ASEAN, the two countries continue to coordinate efforts to strengthen solidarity, unity, and the association's central role.

Both countries are signatories to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and continue to strive to effectively leverage the benefits these agreements offer, making practical contributions to the economic development of each country, as well as the region.

Leaders at all levels, experts, scholars, and people's organizations from both countries who participated in the commemorative activities over the past period all affirmed that the achievements made so far form a solid foundation for the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore.

The two countries share common interests and have much potential for cooperation to explore. Therefore, both sides believe that the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership, as it enters a new phase, will develop even more brilliantly, for the benefit of the people of both countries, and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Nhandan.vn