Vietnam and Malaysia: New era of strategic partnership begins!

Vietnam and Malaysia: New era of strategic partnership begins!

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Malaysia has an important role in building solidarity among ASEAN countries and Vietnam's multifaceted foreign policy. This visit is intended to provide important impetus within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Malaysia, which spans various areas such as politics, diplomacy, national security, economy, tourism and culture. High-level politicians from both nations have maintained regular contacts and paid numerous bilateral visits over the years, demonstrating the strength of the relationship.

During his stay in Malaysia, Prime Minister Chinh plans to hold key talks with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim and other senior officials. These talks will focus on the strategic vision for the bilateral relationship and initiate measures to deepen cooperation in key areas such as security, defense, economy, trade, investment and tourism. Other topics will include cooperation in new future areas such as the green economy, digital economy, artificial intelligence and innovations.

Economic prospects and bilateral trade

In preparation for the visit, the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia has been working closely with relevant authorities to ensure everything runs smoothly. An important milestone in bilateral relations was November 2024, when both countries agreed on a comprehensive strategic partnership that not only promotes political and security cooperation, but also intensifies economic networking.

Malaysia is considered Vietnam's second largest trading partner in ASEAN and is the third largest investor in Vietnam. Bilateral trade turnover is expected to reach USD 14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year. In particular, discussions about the halal industry and green energy show the potential for future economic cooperation between the two nations.

Vietnam's role in the region

Vietnam has recently developed a key position in the Southeast Asia region and is increasingly benefiting from this role. In 2023, both US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam. The country pursues a multidirectional foreign policy in which it builds a network of diverse partners and effectively exploits the rivalry between major powers. In this context, Vietnam is viewed as a strategic partner and pursues a flexible “bamboo policy” that allows it to adapt to changing geopolitical conditions.

However, relations with China are tense, despite their shared communist ideology, particularly with regard to conflicts in the South China Sea. The USA is also an essential security policy partner, and Vietnam has established a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with the United States.

With around 100 million inhabitants, Vietnam has a predominantly young and educated population. The country is digitizing and promoting investments in new technologies, such as microchip production. Economic growth was 5 percent last year, making Vietnam one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia. The expansion of diversified trade relations and free trade agreements such as the EVFTA with the EU underlines Vietnam's ambition to further strengthen its economic position.

Nevertheless, human rights are a sensitive issue in the country. Reports of harassment of human rights defenders and surveillance of critical voices show that Vietnam faces major challenges. International organizations such as Amnesty International document arbitrary arrests and torture.

For the future, it is to be hoped that the emerging economic partnerships and the discussion about new areas of cooperation will bring positive development and at the same time expand the space for human rights and freedoms in Vietnam.

For more information please visit vietnam.vn and tagesschau.de.