Russian PM’s Vietnam visit to strengthen bilateral economic ties: Scholar
The upcoming visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Vietnam will mark a significant step towards strengthening effective economic collaboration between the two nations, Dr Ekaterina Koldunova, Director of the ASEAN Centre at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in an interview with Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents in Moscow.
Russian businesses introduce products to Vietnamese consumers at an exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)
Moscow (VNA) ﷺ– The upcoming visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Vietnam will mark a significant step towards strengthening effective economic collaboration between the two nations, Dr Ekaterina Koldunova, Director of the ASEAN Centre at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in an interview with Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents in Moscow.
Assessing the outcomes of cooperation between Vietnam and Russia in recent years, Dr Koldunova, an Associate Professor of Oriental Studies, noted that both countries have worked tirelessly to restore trade volume to pre-2022 levels, achieving this goal by the end of 2024.
She highlighted that Vietnam and Russia are exploring new opportunities in finance, economics, and logistics to further promote bilateral trade. Several new logistical routes have been established, linking Russia’s Far East region with Vietnam, creating opportunities for Russian businesses to actively engage in trade activities.
On investment cooperation, Dr Koldunova pointed out that Vietnamese companies such as TH True Milk continue to operate successfully in Russia, while the energy sector has seen numerous joint investment projects and production collaborations being launched.
Regarding the potential for further cooperation, the expert emphasised that agriculture and agribusiness are key areas of mutual interest. Vietnamese products are gradually filling the gap left by Western companies' exit from the Russian market. Furthermore, energy remains a traditional sector for cooperation between the two countries, she added.
Dr Koldunova also underscored that Vietnam's rapid post-COVID-19 economic growth has driven a substantial demand for energy. Russian companies, that have traditionally invested in resource exploitation in Vietnam, are exploring new forms of collaboration, including production partnerships, and may consider relocating some production processes to Vietnam, similar to practices by American and Chinese firms. She suggested that Vietnam should focus on sectors left vacant by Western companies in Russia, particularly in creative industries, light industry, and fashion, which are areas with strong development potential in Vietnam.
She expressed her confidence that the recent decision by the Vietnamese National Assembly to revive the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project reflects both Vietnam and Russia’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and advancing towards a green economy.
Despite the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project being suspended 10 years ago, Dr Koldunova noted that Vietnam and Russia have maintained cooperation through the establishment of a scientific centre focused on nuclear technology. This provides a solid foundation for the project’s revival, she stated.
Dr Koldunova said she hopes that Vietnam and Russia will establish a major joint project that not only enhances bilateral cooperation in the years and decades to come, but also strengthens the long-standing, good relationship between the two countries./.
Vietnam and Russia have witnessed remarkable trade and economic ties over the recent past, with trade volume showing robust growth despite global headwinds, according to Deputy Minister of Russian Economic Development Vladimir Ilichev.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin's official visit to Vietnam from January 14-15 at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and prepare for important activities in bilateral relations in 2025, according to a Vietnamese diplomat.
A ceremony was held in Moscow, Russia, on January 7 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Traditional Day of Vietnamese Students and the Vietnam Students’ Association (VSA) (January 9, 1950 - 2025), and review the association's activities in the Eurasian nation.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
