Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire seek stronger economic ties
The seminar was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
Hanoi (VNA) 🍸– National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh and NA Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston attended a seminar titled "Political and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Côte d'Ivoire: Achievements and future prospects" to explore the future of Vietnam - Côte d’Ivoire economic cooperation, as part of the former's official visit to the African nation from July 9 – 12.
It was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
The seminar was part of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (October 6), drawing nearly 200 delegates, including lawmakers, government officials, and business leaders from both countries
In his opening remarks, Thanh praised Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Strategy, which aims to position the country as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies by 2030.
NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh speaks at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)
The Vietnamese NA is committed to working with government agencies to offer favourable legal frameworks and conditions for bilateral cooperation, he said.
Koffi Yapi Evariste, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Ivorians Abroad, praised the robust trade relationship, with Vietnam importing up to 80-90% of Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew nut output. He noted vast potential in investment, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Nguyen Hai Nam from the Vietnamese NA’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs, affirmed that Vietnam always creates a solid legal foundation for international cooperation through various laws and resolutions on investment, trade, customs, and finance. He also highlighted Vietnam’s approval of numerous international treaties and trade agreements, paving the way for enhanced bilateral and multilateral collaboration.
Diaby Sékou, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, identified farm produce as a key driver of bilateral trade, He called on Vietnamese firms to expand cooperation in agricultural processing via technology transfers in cashew processing and rice production, alongside exploring partnerships in renewable energy, e-commerce, digital transformation, real estate, and tourism.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Si Hung noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) has transformed Vietnam from a low-income country to the world’s 32nd largest economy, with a GDP of around 470 billion USD. Ranking among the top 20 global trading nations and top 15 FDI destinations, Vietnam boasts strengths in agriculture like rice, coffee, rubber, pepper, cashews, and seafood, and industries such as electronics, apparel, footwear, tourism, and technology. Its integration into global supply chains through 17 free trade agreements with over 60 economies was cited as a key advantage.
Yao Germain, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), stressed the private sector’s role, supported by state policies, in driving economic linkages between Vietnam and Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. He advocated for trilateral cooperation involving both nations’ chambers of commerce and a third party within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to capitalise on regional trade benefits.
Closing the event, NA Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston hailed the discussions as a catalyst for mutual understanding and new opportunities in trade and investment./.
President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly Adama Bictogo suggested that Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire should enhance their transport cooperation with specific, substantive activities, at his meeting with Transport Minister Nguyen Van Thang in Hanoi on June 15.
Vietnam always considers Côte d’Ivoire one of its top trade partners in Africa, stated Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien when hosting President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly Adama Bictogo in Hanoi on June 15.
Vietnam always attaches importance to promoting its friendship and cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire and considers Côte d’Ivoire as one of its important partners in Africa, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.
Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam's spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, expressed her hope that the RoK will share its experience and work with Vietnam to foster closer collaboration in cultural industry.
Eighty years since the historic autumn of 1945, the Vietnamese nation has overcome countless challenges to gain its independence and gradually develop thanks to the revolutionary path that is both resolute and flexible under the leadership of the Party.
Party General Secretary To Lam said since Vietnam and the RoK established their diplomatic ties in 1992 and upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, they have enjoyed expanded collaboration, delivering tangible benefits to their peoples and businesses.
The state visit to the RoK by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse was a great success, marking a significant milestone and opening a new chapter in the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In any circumstances, the Lao People’s Army will always stand shoulder to shoulder with its Vietnamese counterpart to safeguard both nations and nurture their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.
State President Luong Cuong sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Ecuador Daniel Noboa on the occasion of the 216th National Day of the South American country (August 10).
Vietnam and the RoK should maintain regular exchanges at all levels, especially high level, across the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, and people-to-people channels; expand cooperation in diplomacy, national defence-security, economy, and sci-tech; and effectively realise existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements, said Party leader To Lam.
Party General Secretary Lam called on the RoK to help enhance the capacity of Vietnamese firms to integrate more deeply into the global supply chains of Korean companies, and to encourage Korean businesses to expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure development, high-tech electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart cities.
Vietnamese brides in the Republic of Korea urged educational support, particularly access to Vietnamese language classes for their children, age-appropriate curricula, and resources for single mothers while meeting with Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam.
President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung emphasised that the first visit to the RoK by General Secretary Lam in his capacity as the top leader of Vietnam holds special significance as it creates strong momentum for enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening political trust, and further promoting the RoK – Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the next phase.
The supervision team urged the Government to promptly issue a national human resources development strategy until 2030, with a vision to 2050, and ensure sufficient funding for strategy implementation.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Vietnam reaffirmed its consistent stance of solving all disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The leaders noted that the two sides had agreed to turn scientific and technological cooperation into a pillar and a new highlight of bilateral relations.
This is a crucial session to consider and give opinions on a wide range of issues to be submitted to the NA's 10th sitting – the final of the current term, which will review the 2021–2026 tenure and prepare for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s first general election.
The signed documents include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on scientific and technological cooperation, an MoU on copyright and related rights cooperation, and another on strengthening collaboration in renewable energy.
Vietnam’s participation in AMNEX 3 demonstrates its commitment as a member of the ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) and responds to the invitation of the Royal Malaysian Navy, showing support for multilateral international activities hosted by Malaysia.
Since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1992, the bilateral relationship has become a model of a very special, effective, and substantive partnership.
