Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire seek stronger economic ties
The seminar was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
Hanoi (VNA) – National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh and NA Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston attended a sem🎀inar titled "Political and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Côte d'Ivoire: Achievements and future prospects" to explore the future of Vietnam - Côte d’Ivoire economic cooperation, as part of the former's official visit to the African nation from July 9 – 12.
It was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
The seminar was part of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (October 6), drawing nearly 200 delegates, including lawmakers, government officials, and business leaders from both countries
In his opening remarks, Thanh praised Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Strategy, which aims to position the country as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies by 2030.
NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh speaks at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)
The Vietnamese NA is committed to working with government agencies to offer favourable legal frameworks and conditions for bilateral cooperation, he said.
Koffi Yapi Evariste, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Ivorians Abroad, praised the robust trade relationship, with Vietnam importing up to 80-90% of Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew nut output. He noted vast potential in investment, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Nguyen Hai Nam from the Vietnamese NA’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs, affirmed that Vietnam always creates a solid legal foundation for international cooperation through various laws and resolutions on investment, trade, customs, and finance. He also highlighted Vietnam’s approval of numerous international treaties and trade agreements, paving the way for enhanced bilateral and multilateral collaboration.
Diaby Sékou, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, identified farm produce as a key driver of bilateral trade, He called on Vietnamese firms to expand cooperation in agricultural processing via technology transfers in cashew processing and rice production, alongside exploring partnerships in renewable energy, e-commerce, digital transformation, real estate, and tourism.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Si Hung noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) has transformed Vietnam from a low-income country to the world’s 32nd largest economy, with a GDP of around 470 billion USD. Ranking among the top 20 global trading nations and top 15 FDI destinations, Vietnam boasts strengths in agriculture like rice, coffee, rubber, pepper, cashews, and seafood, and industries such as electronics, apparel, footwear, tourism, and technology. Its integration into global supply chains through 17 free trade agreements with over 60 economies was cited as a key advantage.
Yao Germain, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), stressed the private sector’s role, supported by state policies, in driving economic linkages between Vietnam and Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. He advocated for trilateral cooperation involving both nations’ chambers of commerce and a third party within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to capitalise on regional trade benefits.
Closing the event, NA Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston hailed the discussions as a catalyst for mutual understanding and new opportunities in trade and investment./.
President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly Adama Bictogo suggested that Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire should enhance their transport cooperation with specific, substantive activities, at his meeting with Transport Minister Nguyen Van Thang in Hanoi on June 15.
Vietnam always considers Côte d’Ivoire one of its top trade partners in Africa, stated Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien when hosting President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly Adama Bictogo in Hanoi on June 15.
Vietnam always attaches importance to promoting its friendship and cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire and considers Côte d’Ivoire as one of its important partners in Africa, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.
US Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed that the US is ready to continue working with Vietnam to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the bilateral relationship, based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Le Kim Quy traced the 50-year journey of bilateral relationship, noting strides in political dialogue, mutual support at international forums like the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and robust economic ties anchored in trade and investment.
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Thanh highlighted that the Ho Chi Minh Space is not only a special cultural and historical landmark, but also a source of inspiration for the human values, independence, and the quest for freedom that President Ho Chi Minh steadfastly pursued throughout his life.
With trust and mutual respect, Vietnam and the US are writing a new chapter of long-term cooperation, for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
This stride was made possible by a shared commitment to building bridges of friendship rooted in trust, strategic vision, and strong public support of both sides.
Thirty years ago, in the night of July 11, 1995 (US time), US President Bill Clinton officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. In the early morning of July 12, 1995 (Vietnam time), Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with the US.
Hansen said Denmark attaches importance to the Comprehensive Partnership and Green Strategic Partnership with Vietnam while speaking highly of the positive development in the bilateral relations over the recent past.
The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 11 announced disciplinary measures against three incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.
HCM City, as Vietnam’s vibrant economic and cultural hub, has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between the two countries. French businesses, as well as educational, health care, heritage conservation, and urban development organisations have maintained an active and visible presence in the city.
Over the past three decades, two-way trade has increased more than 300 times, with Vietnam becoming a major player in global supply chains. Many major US corporations now view Vietnam as a strategic manufacturing and consumer market, while more Vietnamese firms are entering the highly competitive US market.
Three decades since the normalisation of bilateral ties, thanks to tireless efforts from both nations, Vietnam and the US have built mutual trust, becoming friends and comprehensive strategic partners across all sectors.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
People-to-people exchange has long served as a vital bridge between Vietnam and China, forming a strong social foundation for building trust, fostering cooperation, and maintaining peace. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two Parties and Governments have jointly designated the year as the “Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange,” reflecting a shared strategic vision to promote sustainable bilateral relations rooted in public engagement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Australia, and Algeria on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10.
The Lao Vice President asked the Central Committees of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) to continue enhancing coordination to effectively implement their 2022–2027 cooperation agreement, especially in youth exchanges and education of younger generations about the countries’ traditional ties.
Three former US ambassadors to Vietnam have shared their views on the past achievements and future prospects of bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of their diplomatic relations this July.
National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh held talks with French Senate Vice President Loic Hervé and French NA Vice-President Nadège Abomangoli, met with Anne Le Hénanff, Chairwoman of the France – Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group (FVFG) in the French NA, and Amélia Lakrafi, General Delegate of the APF.
