Vietnam-China relations to see stronger development

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the 14th CAEXPO and CABIS. 

Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh: pursuing its the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multi-lateralization and diversification, the Vietnamese Party, Government and people have paid special attention to maintaining and developing the neighborliness, friendship and comprehensive cooperation with the Chinese Party, Government and people. That is one of the first priorities in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

Recently, thanks to the efforts made by the Parties, Governments and peoples of the two countries, the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained its positive development momentum and gained some encouraging achievements in various fields.

Specifically, in terms of politics, political relations and trust between the two countries have been consolidated and developed positively through frequent high-level meetings between leaders of the two Parties and Governments. Since early this year, there have been two visits of the highest leaders of the two countries: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to China (January) and State President Tran Dai Quang’s visit to China (May). As scheduled, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping will visit Vietnam and attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in November 2017. These activities prove the two Parties and Governments’ attention to consolidate and promote their bilateral relations.

In terms of economy, the bilateral economic relations have been extended and deepened. China is Vietnam’s biggest trade partner and Vietnam is China’s biggest ASEAN trade partner. China’s investment in Vietnam has been increased in scope, sector, and region with its total registered investment capital of over USD 11 billion, ranking 8th among 116 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Additionally, China is also the country with biggest number of tourists to Vietnam and vice versa the number of Vietnamese tourists to China ranks first among ASEAN member countries.

Apart from that, exchange and cooperation between ministries, branches and localities of the two countries have been promoted. Cooperation fields have obtained encouraging outcomes. We welcome Chinese ministries, branches and localities to promote cooperation with Vietnam; thank them for helping some Vietnamese localities overcome natural disaster consequences; and create favorable conditions for the two countries’ localities to cooperate. Meanwhile, people-to-people exchanges, especially between the two countries’ young generations and people living along the shared borderline, help reinforce the traditional friendship between the two nations.

On that good basis, in the coming time, the two sides should continue to successfully implement the important concepts reached by the two countries’ Party and State leaders, increasing the frequency of high-level visits and meetings, widening friendship exchanges between people of the two countries and promoting mutual benefit cooperation and exchange mechanisms, bringing about benefits and happiness for people of the two countries. I strongly believe that with due attention from the leaders of the two Parties and States and efforts made by the two sides, Vietnam – China relations would see more vigorous development steps.

Reporter: How does Vietnam increase cooperation with China and ASEAN member countries through the CAEXPO, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister?

Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh: The CAEXPO and CABIS are important for China – ASEAN cooperation. The success of the last 13 expos has contributed significantly to promoting the ASEAN – China strategic partnership extensively. The expo has become one of the major events that attract great attention of the ASEAN and Chinese businesses. This year, Vietnam continues to attend the event and remains the biggest ASEAN participant with 250 pavilions displaying products of Vietnam’s strengths, ranging from agricultural and processed products to footwear, appliances, and wooden products.

As an active member of the ASEAN Community, Vietnam always pay due attention to and support the ASEAN – China cooperation; is ready to promote its bridging role between the ASEAN Economic Community and China; and together with other ASEAN countries to strongly advocate cooperation in different fields, maintaining peace and stability, and settling differences for the sake of every party to ensure  economic activities to take place smoothly, contributing to peace, cooperation, development and prosperity of the region. Vietnam always encourages and creates favorable conditions for ASEAN countries' and Chinese businesses to do business and increase investment in Vietnam for the benefit of every party.

Vietnam’s active participation in CAEXPOs vividly demonstrates that the Vietnamese Government, localities and businesses attach importance to increasing comprehensive cooperation with China as well as Chinese localities, contributing to the success of the CAEXPO and continuing to be an important bridge in cooperation between China and the ASEAN. At the same time, this is an opportunity to promote Vietnam’s image, trademarks, and products in order to increase export of products that Vietnam has strength to the ASEAN’s and China’s markets.

Reporter: Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister!