New page in Vietnam-Singapore relations

Vietnam-Singapore relations have achieved results over the past half century and will develop strongly and substantially in the new journey. This is the common assessment of many delegates attending activities taking place in both countries in 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership.

Art performance at the celebration held in Hanoi.

The two sides recalled important milestones and outstanding achievements that the two countries have made over the past 50 years through commemorative activities. Vietnam and Singapore officially established diplomatic relations in 1973.

The relationship between the two countries was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2013. Over the years, many visits and contacts at high and all levels, through all channels, have been maintained and increased in frequency. This has created a premise to promote extensive cooperation between the two sides in many fields.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries is a model of bilateral economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Vietnam and Singapore are always among each other's 15 largest trading partners. Bilateral trade turnover reached about 9.15 billion USD in 2022, an increase of 11.6% compared to 2021.

In the first 6 months of 2023, bilateral trade turnover reached about 4.5 billion USD. Singapore is Vietnam's leading economic partner in the region. The Lion Island ranked second among countries and territories and maintained its leading position in ASEAN in terms of investment in Vietnam with 3,274 valid projects and a total registered capital of about 73.5 billion USD.

As Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam (G. Ratnam) and delegates attending the celebration in Hanoi commented, the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) stretching from north to south are typical symbols of economic cooperation between the two countries. There are currently 14 VSIPs in 10 provinces and cities in Vietnam. Established in February 2023, the Vietnam-Singapore Digital Economy-Green Economy Partnership contributes to opening up new cooperation opportunities between the two countries in many fields.

Ambassador Jaya Ratnam expressed his belief that with new priorities under this partnership framework, economic cooperation between the two countries will develop increasingly strongly.

In the field of defense and security, the two sides maintain high-level delegation exchanges and annual dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. Cooperation between the two countries in areas such as finance, banking, education, training, justice, etc. continues to be promoted. People-to-people exchanges make an important contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and connection between the people of the two countries.

The celebrations, the "50-10" logo creation contest, and a series of cultural, sports, and business exchange events taking place in both Vietnam and Singapore this year have contributed to highlighting the milestones of the bilateral relationship, while continuing to strengthen the friendship between the two peoples.

Vietnam and Singapore participate in many multilateral organizations and forums; share stances on many international and regional issues. As important and vocal members of ASEAN, the two countries continue to coordinate to strengthen solidarity, unity and promote the central role of the association.

Both participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the two countries continue to make efforts to effectively utilize the benefits brought by these agreements, making practical contributions to the economic development of each country, as well as of the region.

Leaders at all levels, experts, scholars, and people's organizations of the two countries attending the commemorative activities over the past time all affirmed that the achievements in the past period are a solid foundation for the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore.

The two countries share common interests and have much potential for cooperation to be exploited. Therefore, both sides believe that the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership will develop even more brilliantly when entering a new page, for the benefit of the people of the two countries, for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Nhandan.vn