Insights from Vietnam’s development journey

At the event, Deputy PM Son shared Vietnam’s experience in its struggle for independence and national development, its growth strategies, and its contributions to ASEAN and the bloc’s regional role. He also highlighted the strengthening ties between Vietnam and the UAE, as well as with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), particularly after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the UAE in October 2024.

Discussing Vietnam’s development path since gaining independence, he highlighted four key lessons. First, national independence is paramount. While sovereignty is vital for all nations, Vietnam’s history of war and sacrifice makes it even more significant.

Second, adaptability in policymaking is essential. Vietnam has shaped its economic reforms to fit each stage of development, from overcoming sanctions before 1995 to deepening global economic integration between 1995 and 2005, and expanding international partnerships in recent years.

Third, a sound foreign policy is crucial for peace and development, as no country can thrive without a stable environment. Vietnam pursues an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, and cooperative foreign policy while proactively engaging in global affairs. Today, it maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries and strategic partnerships with 34 nations, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Lastly, ASEAN and regional cooperation remain priorities. With a population of 670 million and a GDP of US$4 trillion, ASEAN has sustained strong economic growth over the past decade, reaching 5% in 2024. Vietnam continues to strengthen ties within the bloc and beyond.

Advancing Vietnam-UAE cooperation

Deputy PM Son praised the UAE as a global model of innovation, effective governance, and rapid economic transformation. He noted that Vietnam and the UAE share aspirations for prosperity and emphasized that cooperation is the key to achieving these goals, particularly in digital transformation, energy transition, investment, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Highlighting that the UAE is the first and only GCC member to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Vietnam, he suggested expanding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the GCC.

Engagement with young UAE leaders

During the discussion, young UAE leaders sought the Deputy PM’s advice on leadership and nation-building. When asked about Vietnam’s approach to post-war reconciliation, he emphasized the importance of looking toward the future. Despite its history of conflict with France and the US, Vietnam now maintains positive relations with all nations.

He stressed that lasting peace requires concrete and consistent efforts, citing Vietnam’s role as the host of the second US-DPRK Summit as an example of its diplomatic credibility.

On takeaways from the World Government Summit (WGS), he described it as a valuable platform for sharing strategies on global challenges, including sustainable development goals. He suggested broadening participation to include more countries at different development stages to promote inclusive dialogue on shared prosperity.

Young UAE leaders expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s story of resilience and transformation, from a war-torn, embargoed nation to a thriving middle-income country with growing international influence.

A delegation of young UAE leaders is set to visit Vietnam in June to gain firsthand insights into the country’s development journey and its aspirations for innovation and prosperity.

Vietnam deepens ties with Laos, UAE at World Governments Summit

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held bilateral meetings with leaders of Laos and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 11 in Dubai, within the framework of the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS 2025).