Vietnam - Africa's dynamic development partner in the new era

During the official visit of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Senegal and Morocco, and his participation in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Switzerland from July 22nd, the Algerian daily newspaper Cresus published an article praising Vietnam's outstanding development achievements and expressing hope that the trip would open up new opportunities to elevate bilateral cooperation with African countries in the future.

According to the VNA correspondent in Algiers, the article affirms that Vietnam is emerging as a "knowledge destination" in the field of agricultural and rural development, with a model based on indigenous values, community value chains, and international trade integration.

As an agricultural country with over 60% of its population living in rural areas, Vietnam has achieved many impressive accomplishments in nearly 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy. In 2024, the export value of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$62.5 billion; in the first six months of 2025 alone, it reached US$33.84 billion, an increase of approximately 15% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Vietnam is currently strongly promoting the restructuring of its agricultural sector towards increased value, sustainable development, adaptation to climate change, and the application of high technology. The goal is to maintain an annual agricultural growth rate of over 4%.

This article devotes significant space to evaluating the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program, not only as a national brand but also as an integrated development model involving the State, businesses, cooperatives, and communities. OCOP contributes to building an innovation ecosystem in rural areas, linked to improving production capacity, quality control, brand development, and expanding consumer markets.

The Cresus newspaper highly praised Vietnam's initiatives and proposals for South-South cooperation, particularly those based on the four pillars set forth by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): improving production, nutrition, environment, and livelihoods – leaving no one behind. Vietnam has been playing a proactive role in building networks for sharing policies, technologies, and markets, while supporting vulnerable groups and enhancing the capacity of cooperatives and small businesses in rural areas.

The article also quotes Vietnam's call to international organizations, financial institutions, and bilateral and multilateral partners to strengthen support for South-South cooperation, especially in the implementation of the OCOP program, in order to move towards a dynamic, inclusive, culturally rich, and sustainable agricultural sector.

The author expresses the hope that Vietnam – as a country with a developed agricultural sector and extensive experience in reducing agricultural emissions – will effectively cooperate with its African counterparts to overcome challenges related to food security and develop green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Given that many African countries have large Muslim populations, this article focuses particularly on the potential for developing Halal products in Vietnam – especially brands that have successfully penetrated markets with stringent Halal standards such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, and Indonesia. The author believes that Halal products with distinctive tropical flavors will soon expand their market share in Africa as current barriers are gradually removed.

One positive sign highlighted in the article is the official inauguration of direct flights between Vietnam and Africa. Ethiopian Airlines flight ET0678, departing from Addis Ababa, landed safely at Noi Bai International Airport at 1:15 PM on July 11th, marking the first direct connection between the two capitals. The new route is expected to boost trade, tourism , and cultural exchange between the two regions.

The Cresus newspaper expressed confidence that, building on the foundation of good traditional relations, Vietnam and African countries will not only continue to foster long-standing friendship but also expand substantive and effective cooperation in the new phase.

The official visit of the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, to Senegal and Morocco is expected to restart historical connections, deepen parliamentary relations, and contribute to strengthening people-to-people exchanges – a vivid expression of Vietnam's sincerity and commitment to its African friends.

The working visit took place against the backdrop of Vietnam continuing to achieve many important socio-economic accomplishments. Along with strong reforms of the state administrative apparatus and the implementation of a two-tiered local government model, Vietnam is promoting four strategic pillars: science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation; promoting international integration; developing the private economy; and reforming institutions, legislation, and law enforcement – creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth and deep integration into the international community.

According to the author, as a nation that once pioneered the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, Vietnam is once again at the forefront of innovation and institutional reform, resolutely eliminating bureaucracy, corruption, and waste – major obstacles to the development of any country. The author believes that, with an open heart, a spirit of international solidarity, and a willingness to share, Vietnam is ready to share its valuable experiences in poverty reduction, attracting investment, and national development.

In this context, the article emphasizes the need for both sides – Vietnam and Africa – to continue strengthening political trust, increasing high-level exchanges, promoting negotiations and signing foundational agreements such as the Agreement on Encouragement and Protection of Investments and the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation, while building a solid legal framework for cooperation in trade, finance, and banking.

The author concludes: there is no reason why nations that once united to overthrow colonial and imperial rule cannot stand side by side in the journey of economic development, towards prosperity and a sustainable future.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-doi-tac-phat-trien-nang-dong-cua-chau-phi-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-post1051019.vnp