VIETNAM – AN IMPORTANT PARTNER OF CANADA: TOWARDS DEEPER COOPERATION

Ngoc Pham

March 28, 2025

Uncategorized

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai (right) meets with Canada’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade and International Promotion Mary Ng on March 28 in Ho Chi Minh City – Photo: QUANG DINH

 

On March 28, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed the visit of Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade, and International Promotion, accompanied by a delegation of prominent Canadian businesses. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening and expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries, opening up numerous opportunities for cooperation and development in the fields of economy, trade, and education.

During her meeting with the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Mr. Phan Van Mai, Minister Mary Ng emphasized that Vietnam is a crucial partner in Canada’s development strategy in the ASEAN and Asia regions. She highlighted that the Canadian government is committed to investing USD 2.3 billion over the next five years to enhance its presence in the region, within the framework of the Pacific-Indian Ocean Strategy.

The Special Relationship Between Vietnam and Canada
Minister Mary Ng shared that Vietnam is not only an important market for Canada but also a strategic partner in promoting comprehensive economic cooperation between the two nations. The Canadian government has high expectations for collaborating with Vietnam, especially in sectors like agriculture, information technology, clean energy, and education. Ng expressed a desire to further strengthen the partnership with Vietnam in order to enhance the effectiveness of economic cooperation, creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

Ho Chi Minh City – The Economic Hub of the Future
During the meeting, Chairman Phan Van Mai also expressed his deep interest in fostering cooperation with Canada. He mentioned that Ho Chi Minh City values and trusts its partnerships with international collaborators, especially with Canada. This city is not only one of the key economic centers of Vietnam but also a potential hub for expanding cooperation in various areas, from trade to education.

Chairman Mai emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City aims to leverage opportunities from international agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to further deepen collaboration with Canada. He also proposed enhancing cooperation in the field of education and training to develop a high-quality workforce, preparing for the future of creative industries and technology.

Promoting Cooperation for Sustainable Development
The visit of Minister Mary Ng and the Canadian business delegation is not merely a diplomatic event, but an opportunity to discuss concrete initiatives that will bring long-term benefits to both countries. In the context of rapid global change, with challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and the fourth industrial revolution, the cooperation between Vietnam and Canada will play an essential role in addressing these global issues.

Sectors like clean energy, information technology, and agriculture will be key areas for both countries to focus on. With its strong potential in green industries and technology, Vietnam, coupled with Canada’s commitment, is set to foster a deep and sustainable cooperation between the two sides.

Future Prospects
Minister Mary Ng’s visit marks an important milestone in consolidating and enhancing the partnership between Vietnam and Canada. This is an opportunity for both nations to not only strengthen economic cooperation but also expand their collaboration in education, science, technology, and the environment. Vietnam, with its rapid growth in recent years, is increasingly asserting its position as a strategic partner to countries around the world.

Meanwhile, Canada, with its wealth of experience in high-tech industries and sustainable development, is an ideal partner for Vietnam to learn from and grow. This is a solid foundation for a comprehensive and long-lasting partnership between the two nations in the future.

We can certainly look forward to significant progress from the cooperation between Vietnam and Canada, which will not only bring economic benefits but also contribute to the prosperity and development of both countries in an increasingly globalized world.