Vietnam Celebrates 81st National Day in Dhaka, Reaffirms Stronger Partnership with Bangladesh

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Bangladesh celebrated the country’s 81st National Day in Dhaka on Sunday, highlighting Viet Nam’s remarkable economic transformation and the growing prospects for deeper cooperation with Bangladesh.

The reception marked the anniversary of September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Viet Nam’s Declaration of Independence, leading to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, Honourable State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, as Chief Guest. Ambassadors, Chargés d’Affaires, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, senior Bangladeshi government officials, distinguished guests, and members of the Vietnamese community living, working and studying in Bangladesh also joined the celebration.

Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Viet Nam to Bangladesh reflected on the historic significance of the National Day and highlighted the country’s transformation following more than four decades of the Doi Moi, or Renovation and opening-up policy.

The Ambassador said Viet Nam had emerged from a relatively poor economy to become one of Asia’s dynamic growth centres, with a population of more than 100 million. According to figures presented at the event, Viet Nam’s GDP reached approximately USD 514 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd globally, while economic growth stood at 8.02 percent.

The country’s total import-export turnover reached around USD 930 billion in 2025, generating a trade surplus of approximately USD 20 billion. Viet Nam is also implementing 17 Free Trade Agreements, further strengthening its integration with regional and global markets.

Foreign investment and tourism have also expanded significantly. Registered foreign direct investment into Viet Nam reached more than USD 38.4 billion in 2025, while the country welcomed over 21.2 million international visitors during the same year.

Highlighting Viet Nam’s foreign policy, the Ambassador said the country continues to pursue an independent, self-reliant, multilateral and diversified approach to international relations. Viet Nam has established diplomatic relations with 195 countries and developed partnership frameworks with a wide range of major international partners.

The Ambassador also reiterated Viet Nam’s commitment to a peaceful and self-defensive security policy based on its “Four No’s” principle—no military alliances, no alignment with one country against another, no foreign military bases or use of Vietnamese territory against another country, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

Bangladesh-Viet Nam Relations Continue to Grow

Turning to bilateral relations, the Ambassador emphasized the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Viet Nam since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 11 February 1973.

Over more than five decades, the two countries have supported each other and maintained close cooperation at regional and international forums.

Economic ties have expanded steadily, with bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2025. The two governments are now working toward increasing annual bilateral trade to USD 2 billion in the coming years.

Agricultural and food security cooperation remains another important area. Under the Government-to-Government Rice Trade Agreement for 2023–2027, Viet Nam’s VINAFOOD II successfully supplied 100,000 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh in 2025.

Both sides are also working to conclude negotiations on a new Air Transport Agreement, which could pave the way for direct flights between Hanoi and Dhaka.

The proposed air connectivity is expected to facilitate greater cooperation in tourism, healthcare, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

The Vietnamese Ambassador said significant potential remains untapped in areas including industry, agriculture, logistics, technology, healthcare and tourism, and expressed confidence that the two countries would further expand their mutually beneficial partnership.

During the reception, the Ambassador also extended congratulations to the Government and people of Bangladesh on the country’s recent political and development achievements.

The Ambassador congratulated Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026–2027 term.

The Ambassador also welcomed Bangladesh’s development ambitions, including priorities outlined in the national budget for FY 2026–2027 and the country’s strategy for transforming Bangladesh into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034.

Concluding the remarks, the Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy of Viet Nam’s commitment to serving as a strong bridge between the two countries and further deepening the traditional friendship and practical cooperation between Viet Nam and Bangladesh for the mutual benefit of their peoples.