Promoting Vietnam – Malaysia trade and investment cooperation
VOV.VN - A special program Trade Promotion and Investment Cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia was held at Grand Marina Saigon on September 20 as part of activities to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The program was jointly organized by Luong Thi Kim Xuan, president of the Vietnam Asean Entrepreneur Development Institute (VEDRI), Dinh Vinh Cuong president of the International Trade Investment Development Club (VIENC), Kelly Luong, president of the Vietnam International Investment Trade Development Club (VITD), and others.
The function brought together representatives of various Government agencies and businesses, including more than 60 Malaysian businesses. Notably, it was attended by distinguished guests from the Malaysian Embassy, the Malaysian Consulate General, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Madtrade), and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board.
In their speeches, delegates highlighted the half-a-century diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially in economy, trade and investment, as well as the Halal industry.
The Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam, Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, emphasized the close bond between Vietnam and Malaysia over the past five decades which he said would enable the two countries to reap greater successes in the coming five decades.
“Malaysia and Vietnam share a warm and solid relationship, strengthened by the firm commitment of both sides to enhance bilateral relations for the benefit of our people and the region as a whole,” said the ambassador, affirming Malaysia considers Vietnam a crucial partner.
According to the ambassador, Vietnam has consistently been among Malaysia’s top trading partners over the years. In 2022, Vietnam was Malaysia’s 12th largest trading partner, while Malaysia was Vietnam’s ninth largest trading partner globally. In Southeast Asia, Vietnam was Malaysia’s fourth largest trading partner, while Malaysia was Vietnam’s second largest trading partner. The first half of 2023 saw Vietnam be among Malaysia’s top 15 largest trading partners.
Despite slower growth due to global supply chain disruptions, Malaysia continued to be one of the largest foreign investors in Vietnam, with accumulated FDI capital exceeding US$13 billion.
“I believe that today’s program will provide opportunities for participants to share experiences and knowledge, contributing to strengthening the relationship between Malaysian and Vietnamese businesses. Once again, I would like to congratulate the collaborative efforts of SEARAV, VUFO, VEDRI, VIENC, and VITD in organizing this event to promote trade and encourage businesses,” stated the ambassador.
Taking the floor, the Malaysian Trade Consul, Rosmizah Binti Mat Jusoh, noted “Vietnam is an important trading partner for Malaysia. We look forward for more Malaysian products and brands in Vietnam, and conversely, we welcome Vietnamese products and brands in Malaysia.”
She recalled that a trade office of Matrade was inaugurated in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) in 1994 in an effort to expand economic cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia, and 2023 marks 29 years of Matrade’s presence in Vietnam.
“Today’s event serves as a platform for all of us to collaborate and achieve these goals. Once again, we congratulate the organizers and everyone who contributed to the success of this event. MATRADE is committed to facilitating and supporting all businesses and entrepreneurs in doing business with Malaysia,” she assured.
Meanwhile, Kelly Luong, president of the Vietnam International Trade Investment Development Club (VITD), vowed to facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ access to the Malaysian market, including its halal industry.
“As one of the pioneering businesses in promoting trade and investment in Malaysia and in the world, I do hope that Vietnamese businesses will genuinely be interested and take the opportunity to explore and export their products to Malaysia in particular and to the Halal market in general,” she said.
“Malaysia is Vietnam’s second largest trading partner within ASEAN, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Malaysia has proved to be a vibrant playground for Vietnamese businesses,” she added.
Kelly Luong is also the CEO of Beyond World Company, with many years of experience in promoting investment and trade in the Malaysian market. She has connected businesses from both sides, provided consultancy support, and facilitated numerous large Malaysian corporations to invest in Vietnamese market. Likewise, she has also facilitated the export of Vietnamese products to Malaysia and the Halal market.