Diplomatic Correspondent

Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong on Saturday said there are still many untapped potentials that both countries should further cooperate to explore in the coming time.

“It is certain that Vietnam-Bangladesh traditional friendship is flourishing and Vietnam will always be a good friend of Bangladesh,” he said.

The ambassador said the government and people of Vietnam always keep in their hearts and greatly value the invaluable support that the government and people of Bangladesh have extended to Vietnam from the past to the present.

Adviser of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Farida Akhter joined the reception as the chief guest.

Vietnam and Bangladesh share many things in common in the cause of national building and development that both countries can mutually learn, promote and support each other, said the envoy.

“Throughout the long history with ups and downs, our good sentiment has remained unchanged.”

Over the past 51 years of traditional friendship, the two countries have been closely cooperating in multiple areas and become good partners, he said.

The delegation exchanges between Vietnam and Bangladesh are frequently held.

Since the beginning of 2024, ministerial-level delegation visits have been organised in order to explore the untapped potential in rail transport, labour protection, and social security assurance.

Moreover, the envoy said, both countries have close cooperation at regional and international forums. “We extend mutual support in favour of each country’s candidature at international forums.”

In terms of economics and trade, the two countries witness gradual growth year by year. Last year, the bilateral trade volume reached $1.05 billion.

“In the first seven months of 2024, our trade volume reached $651 million. The two economies are on the right track to pursue the target of $2 billion in trade volume as committed by the highest leaders of both countries,” said the ambassador.

In August this year, the 42-member business delegation of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry paid a working visit to Vietnam and enjoyed a number of fruitful B2B programmes in Thai Binh Province and Ho Chi Minh City with the support of the embassy and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam.