The Latest from Vietnam (August 3rd): Timor-Leste Requests Vietnam’s Support in Vital Sectors

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta meet in Hanoi on August 2.

Timor-Leste Seeks Vietnam’s Support in Key Sectors

Timor-Leste looks to Vietnam for assistance in areas where Vietnam excels, including agriculture, food security, infrastructure, education, human resource development, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conveyed this proposal during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi. He also encouraged more Vietnamese investment in Timor-Leste and affirmed his country’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for Vietnamese businesses.

The Timor-Leste President praised Vietnam’s success in healing the wounds of war and fostering economic growth. He thanked Vietnam for its support in nation-building and Timor-Leste’s aspiration to join ASEAN.

Prime Minister Chinh welcomed President José Ramos-Horta’s visit, marking over 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He congratulated Timor-Leste on its development achievements and its journey towards ASEAN membership.

Chinh proposed extending or signing a new MoU on rice trading to ensure food security and encouraged Timor-Leste to increase imports of Vietnamese goods that suit their needs and tastes.

The Prime Minister expressed his expectation that Timor-Leste would resolve business challenges and create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses, especially in telecommunications, digital transformation, and oil and gas exploration.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: VNA)

India Values Defense Ties with Vietnam

Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, affirmed the significance of defense cooperation with Vietnam during an August 1 briefing on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s India visit. He highlighted defense industry cooperation and discussions on defense technology transfer.

Prime Minister Chinh’s state visit to India from July 30 to August 1, at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, reinforced the strong bilateral ties.

Speaking in New Delhi, Chinh commended India’s role in regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He emphasized the need for international solidarity to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Strengthened

Le Hoai Trung, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to its comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan. He expressed a desire to work closely with Japan to further enhance bilateral relations.

During a meeting with Kisaburo Tokai, Head of the Policy Research Council of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, Trung appreciated Japan’s support for Vietnam’s renewal and socio-economic development.

He proposed enhancing mutual understanding and political trust through high-level visits and exchanges between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

Trung requested Japan’s support in industrialization, economic cooperation, trade, investment, and national defense. He also asked Japan to continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in Japan.

Le Hoai Trung, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations (right), and Kisaburo Tokai, Head of the Policy Research Council of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, meet in Hanoi on August 2. (Photo: VNA)

Kisaburo Tokai offered condolences on the passing of Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He praised Vietnam’s rapid and remarkable development and emphasized Japan’s view of Vietnam as a crucial regional partner.

Tokai assured Vietnam of Japan’s support in its goal to become a high-income country by 2045. He affirmed Japan’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, science, technology, innovation, and other key areas, as well as provide new-generation ODA to meet Vietnam’s sustainable development needs.

Vietnam-China Land Border Treaty: 25 Years of Peace & Stability

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with relevant ministries, held a conference in Hanoi on August 2 to commemorate 25 years since the signing of the Vietnam-China border treaty and 15 years since the signing of three legal documents on their land border.

The conference highlighted the historical significance of these agreements, marking a new chapter in Vietnam-China relations and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

Bui Thanh Son, Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that the completion of border demarcation and marker planting has promoted socio-economic development, especially in border provinces of both countries.

He added that resolving the land border issue was a significant milestone in bilateral relations, built on the determination, wisdom, and efforts of generations of Vietnamese and Chinese people.

Conference to commemorate 25 years of the Vietnam-China border treaty and 15 years of the three legal documents on the land border. (Photo: VNA)

This achievement has laid a foundation for maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for economic development and ensuring security for both nations, fulfilling the aspirations of their people.

The overall situation has been stable since the three legal documents on the land border took effect. The border is well-managed, and public order and safety are ensured. Both countries have collaborated in opening and upgrading border gates, improving transport infrastructure, and fostering friendship exchanges.

The conference also acknowledged shortcomings in border management and protection, aiming to find solutions for a peaceful and sustainable border.

Vietnamese Manufacturing Sector Booms: 13-Year High

Vietnam’s manufacturing sector reached a 13-year high in July, with a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of 54.7, according to S&P Global. This marks a fourth consecutive month of improvement, driven by stronger market demand and an increase in customers.

Manufacturers have ramped up production to meet new orders, and the output expansion rate is the second-fastest on record. However, firms are struggling to keep up with demand and are dipping into warehouse stocks.

Andrew Harker, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, expressed optimism about Vietnam’s economic growth, driven by the strong performance of the manufacturing sector. He noted that firms need to expand their workforce and secure additional materials to sustain this growth.

These findings align with statistics from Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, indicating positive industrial production growth in July, both month-over-month and year-over-year.