Vietnam is a priority and important partner of Canada.

Currently, Canada is Vietnam's third largest trading partner and Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2022, the total bilateral trade turnover reached over 7 billion USD, an increase of nearly 17% compared to 2021. In 2023, in the context of global trade difficulties, the total trade exchange between Vietnam and Canada is estimated to reach 6.17 billion USD. Canada is Vietnam's 14th largest investor with 247 projects with a total registered capital of over 4.82 billion USD.

Promoting cooperation with Vietnam is an important part of Canada's Indo- Pacific Strategy. Canada sees Vietnam as a strategic partner in the region, especially in the context of the growing influence of major powers and security and economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Vietnam is a priority and important partner of Canada in many aspects, including the following areas: Trade and investment: Canada and Vietnam have established strong trade relations, with many areas of cooperation such as agriculture, information technology, and energy. Vietnam is one of Canada's major trading partners in the Southeast Asian region. Regarding development cooperation: Canada has supported Vietnam in the areas of education, health, and environment. Canada's development assistance programs aim to promote sustainable development and improve the lives of the Vietnamese people. On Security and Defense: The two countries have strengthened cooperation in the field of security and defense, including joint activities in maintaining regional peace and security. On Education and Cultural Exchange: Canada attracts many Vietnamese students to study abroad, contributing to promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries. Many academic exchange programs are also implemented to enhance mutual understanding. On Strategic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific region: Vietnam plays an important role in regional security and development initiatives and is a member of many multilateral economic and trade agreements. The relationship between Vietnam and Canada not only brings benefits to both sides but also contributes to the stability and development of the Indo-Pacific region.

At a recent meeting with Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Canadian Minister of International Development, who is visiting and working in Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Vietnam attaches importance to its relationship with Canada and wishes to work with Canada to promote the Comprehensive Partnership to a new height on the basis of mutual benefit, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and prosperous development in the region and the world; welcoming Canada's increased engagement and promotion of cooperation with the region with Canada's announcement of the Indo- Pacific Strategy.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Canadian Minister of International Development - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Canadian Minister of International Development, said that the potential for development cooperation between the two countries is huge and complementary, and the two sides need to exploit and make the most of this potential through bilateral and multilateral cooperation channels.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that the two sides continue to promote cooperation in key areas such as economics, trade, investment, education and training, science and technology - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that the two sides continue to promote cooperation in key areas such as economics, trade, investment, education and training, science and technology, which are also Canada's strengths and suitable to Vietnam's needs. Agreeing with the Prime Minister's opinions, Minister Ahmed Hussen emphasized that Vietnam is a priority partner of Canada and plays an important role in the country's Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Minister said that on the basis of strong relations, Canada wishes to continuously consolidate and enhance trust between the two sides, cooperate closely with Vietnam both bilaterally and multilaterally, and support Vietnam in achieving its development goals, for a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Vietnam. He proposed promoting ODA cooperation focusing on a number of priority areas, especially education, climate change response, emission reduction, energy transition, etc. Appreciating Vietnam's commitment and efforts in climate change response and emission reduction, the Minister hoped that Vietnam would support and participate in Canada's "Global Carbon Pricing Challenge" (GCPC) Initiative./.

Cong Dao