In 2009, despite facing common difficulties of the global economic debacle, Vietnam managed to maintain socio-economic and political stability and national security while its status steadily increased in regional and world arenas.

Last year, many countries in the world were affected by the global economic slowdown. Most countries recorded a negative or zero economic growth rate. The Vietnamese economy, however, posted a growth rate of 5.32 percent. Leaders from several Arab countries, including Egypt, are now showing keen interest in Vietnam’s policies for foreign investment attraction.

During talks with senior Vietnamese envoys, leaders from Egyptian ministries and sectors expressed admiration and appreciation for Vietnam’s impressive economic achievements.

Secretary for International Relations of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Mohamed Abdellah expressed his admiration for Vietnam in its struggle for national independence and during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process. The NDP and the Egyptian Government praised Vietnam’s efforts to deal with issues in the Middle East.

Egyptian Minister of Information Anas El Fiqqi said that Egypt wants to boost information exchanges with Vietnam and is ready to promote images of Vietnam, its land and people through Egypt’s media. According to Mr Fiqqi, his country is in a development period, so, it needs to learn from experience of other countries, including Vietnam.

In a recent interview granted to Radio the Voice of Vietnam, Egypt’s First Deputy Minister of International Cooperation Nabil Abdel Hamid said, “We always pay close attention to Vietnam’s tremendous achievements, particularly in economic development. We appreciate Vietnam’s efforts to help Egypt resolve issues related to the Middle East and Palestine,”

Egypt’s largest official newspaper- the Pyramid in its November 2, 2009 issue, ran an article entitled “How to develop like Vietnam” in which Dr Said underscored that with a wise development policy, Vietnam has emerged in the region and is attracting more and more foreign investors.

In its October, 2009 issue, Kuwait’s Al ARABI magazine gave readers throughout the Arab world an insight into Vietnam’s socio-economic development, tourism potential, cultural and religious traditions and lifestyles in both urban and rural areas.