Hanoi (VNA) - An international seminar was held in Hanoi on April 23, offering a platform to reflect on pas🀅t achievemeဣnts and promote future bilateral initiatives.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Mexico diplomatic ties (1975–2025), the event brought together representatives from diplomatic agencies, research institutes, universities, and experts from both countries. In his opening remarks, Dr. Phan Chi Hieu, President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), highlighted the positive progress in bilateral relations, particularly in political, cultural, and multilateral cooperation. However, he noted untapped potential in economic, trade, education, scientific research, and tourism collaboration. Hieu expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow deeper and more substantive, contributing to regional peace and prosperity. Fernando Gonzalez Saiffe, Director General for Asia-Pacific at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the significance of the 50-year milestone and reaffirmed the two countries' shared vision for the future. He said Vietnam is one of Mexico’s most important partners in Southeast Asia and underscored the country’s desire to expand the presence of its businesses in Vietnam, especially in agriculture, renewable energy, digital innovation, and tourism. Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai noted that since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) took effect, bilateral economic ties have grown impressively, with two-way trade reaching around 15 billion USD in 2024—a 27.5% increase from the previous year. The Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico will continue to serve as a bridge, supporting businesses in exploring each other’s markets, strengthening engagement, and promoting bilateral investment, with a view to elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership, he added. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cu Chi Loi, former Director of VASS Vietnam Institute of American Studies, pointed out the dynamism and complementarities of the two economies, suggesting the two countries consolidate political dialogues, build a stable legal framework, and accelerate ongoing agreement negotiations. He noted that the average annual trade growth rate has reached nearly 15% since both countries joined the CPTPP. Nguyen Tuong Lan, Director of ITA Travel Company, highlighted the opportunities for expanding economic and tourism cooperation. However, challenges remain in terms of regulatory frameworks, language, culture, and logistics costs. He stressed the importance of trade promotion, improved visa policies, tourism infrastructure, and especially the establishment of direct air routes between the two nations. Participants agreed that while Vietnam–Mexico relations have achieved positive momentum, more effort is needed to unlock their full potential. People-to-people exchanges, business connectivity, and stronger locality-to-locality partnerships were identified as key drivers for sustainable bilateral cooperation in the new era./.