The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations , particularly following the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025, offers a timely opportunity for the two countries to fully tap their potential, identify new areas for cooperation and further steer the relationship toward more substantive and effective outcomes.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Vietnam-Indonesia relations have grown steadily, recording notable achievements in economic cooperation, trade, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

From a foundation of traditional friendship, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2003, a Strategic Partnership in 2013 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, thereby creating new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Indonesia is currently Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner, while Vietnam ranks as Indonesia’s fourth-largest trading partner within ASEAN. Bilateral trade reached US$16.7 billion in 2024, up 21.6% from 2023. Both sides have set a trade target of US$18 billion by 2028, a goal widely regarded as achievable.

Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir emphasized that Indonesia and Vietnam serve as a clear example, not only within the region but also globally, of how unity, mutual respect and a shared vision can help countries overcome challenges and work toward a more prosperous future for their people and the wider region.

The bilateral relationship, he noted, demonstrates the strength of cooperation and common aspirations. This milestone provides an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to deepening the partnership and promoting peace and prosperity for future generations.

Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir also said he was impressed by VinFast’s investment in electric vehicles and the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia, describing it as a reflection of both countries’ commitment to sustainable development.

He stated that electric vehicles and related technologies are areas with strong potential for cooperation, adding that both sides should identify fields where they have strengths and the ability to support one another in order to cooperate and grow together.

Vietnam and Indonesia are important trading partners within ASEAN and are both members of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), giving them clear advantages in expanding two-way trade.

Businesses from both countries are actively seeking to realize mutual potential in areas such as electric vehicle manufacturing, electric taxi services and the development of charging infrastructure, as well as in food services and consumer electronics, where Vietnamese retail brands have gained popularity among Indonesian consumers. At the same time, many Indonesian enterprises see strong opportunities in the Vietnamese market.

Damayanti Siahaan, a member of the Vietnam-Indonesia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), said Vietnam is preparing to develop its Halal industry, an area that offers broad cooperation opportunities between the two countries, as well as across ASEAN and global markets.

She noted strong potential for cooperation in the Halal sector, pointing out that while Indonesia and Vietnam share similarities and also compete in certain areas, cooperation could be mutually beneficial. Demand for Halal products, she said, is rising not only in food but also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion and Halal-compliant tourism.

Arif Widjaja, chief executive officer of Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, which has operated in Vietnam for nearly three decades, highlighted the company’s long-term investment outlook. He said Japfa recently expanded its investment in Vietnam with a large-scale, modern animal vaccine production facility, adding that the company has confidence in Vietnam given the country’s transparent approach toward foreign investment. Japfa, he said, aims to contribute to food security and food self-sufficiency in Vietnam over the long term.

Apart from economic and trade cooperation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges were identified as essential foundations for broader bilateral ties. Erwin Sugianto, finance manager at Tiket.com Indonesia, noted that for Indonesian tourists, most of whom are Muslim, Halal food is a top priority alongside natural attractions and other tourism products.

He said the availability of Halal-certified restaurants, as well as basic services such as prayer spaces, plays an important role in attracting Indonesian visitors, adding that many restaurants and hotels in Vietnam have already begun providing such services.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong expressed optimism that tourism and people-to-people exchanges would gain fresh momentum in the period ahead. He noted that in the past two years, more than 100,000 Vietnamese traveled to Indonesia, while nearly 200,000 Indonesians visited Vietnam, a trend he expects to continue.

Ambassador Ta Van Thong said Vietnam needs to further improve infrastructure, aviation connectivity, and tourism-related services, including hotels and restaurants, in order to better accommodate visitors from Indonesia, a market of nearly 300 million people.

Both Vietnam and Indonesia share the aspiration of becoming high-income countries by 2045, marking the centenary of each nation’s independence. While ambitious, this goal is achievable if the two countries continue close cooperation, pursue innovation and ensure that their comprehensive strategic partnership delivers practical and effective results.

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