Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam is on an official visit to Qatar from October 30 to November 1, marking the first visit by a Vietnamese PM to the Middle Eastern nation in 15 years. This trip follows the Emir of Qatar's high-level visit to Vietnam 12 years ago and aims to implement the 13th National Party Congress's foreign policy, aligning with the 2016-2025 strategy to strengthen ties between Vietnam and the Middle East-Africa region.
The visit is expected to enhance political trust and foster a robust partnership, particularly by attracting Qatari investment into Vietnam and facilitating access for Vietnamese goods and services to the regional market. Discussions will cover cooperation in investment, energy, aviation, agriculture, industry, and food security, along with promoting cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges.
PM Chinh's agenda includes meetings with Qatari PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, along with other senior Qatari leaders and major corporations. Energy and renewable energy are highlighted as key areas for collaboration, leveraging Qatar's resources and Vietnam's growing economy.
Vietnam is recognized as a vital link in 16 free trade agreements involving 60 major economies, making it an attractive investment destination. The nation is also pursuing a strategy to enhance international cooperation in the Halal industry, aligning with Qatar's ambition to become a global hub for Halal products.
In education and research, opportunities for exchange programs and joint scientific research could further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Despite competition in export markets, Vietnamese firms are encouraged to focus on in-demand products in Qatar, enhancing competitiveness through market understanding and tailored strategies.
Both countries are committed to facilitating market access and are exploring new mechanisms in labor, trade, and investment to deepen bilateral relations, setting the stage for future cooperation.