Vietnam looks to stronger cooperation with Singapore and Ireland
VOV.VN - From its comprehensive strategic partnership with Singapore to expanding cooperation with Ireland, Vietnam is asserting a new standing-independent, innovative, and ready for a green, digital, and sustainable development era.
On November 3, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, met with the Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam, affirming that Vietnam-Singapore relations are at “a very high level” following their upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking an important milestone in bilateral ties.
According to Prof. Thang, Singapore is currently the largest ASEAN investor and the second-largest global investor in Vietnam, with the 15 Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP), including next-generation VSIP projects, serving as flagship examples of bilateral cooperation that have contributed significantly to strong growth in many localities.
According to Prof. Thang, Singapore is currently the largest ASEAN investor and the second-largest global investor in Vietnam, with a hallmark of cooperation being the 15 VSIP industrial parks, including next-generation VSIP projects, which have contributed significantly to driving strong growth in many localities.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two countries are strengthening links in science and technology, innovation, and defense and security. Vietnam is asserting its international standing through global initiatives, notably the Hanoi Convention against Cybercrime, which has been signed by 72 countries and was initiated by Vietnam.
Prof. Nguyen Xuan Thang emphasized two key priorities to deepen bilateral relations. First is enhancing human resource development through cooperation programs with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Temasek, focusing on digital transformation, green energy, and the development of a highly skilled workforce.
Alongside this, a regular strategic policy dialogue mechanism between the two parties is being established, led by Vietnam’s Central Theoretical Council, to exchange views on global and regional issues as well as each country’s strategic priorities.
“With the support of senior leaders, the strategic policy dialogue mechanism will soon be implemented, introducing a new approach that reflects the stature of Vietnam’s first comprehensive strategic partnership with an ASEAN member state,” Prof. Nguyen Xuan Thang affirmed.
Vietnam-Ireland: Toward deeper cooperation in education, science, and green transition
During a working session with the Irish Ambassador to Vietnam, Prof. Nguyen Xuan Thang, member of the Party Central Committee and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, expressed his strong admiration for Ireland’s creativity, its friendly people, and its role as a bridge between Europe and the world. He noted that there is huge potential for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in education, civil servant training, science and technology, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
Prof. Nguyen Xuan Thang praised Ireland’s high-quality yet affordable education system and expressed the desire to bolster cooperation in training and capacity building between the Academy and Irish universities.
“Vietnam values strategic autonomy, leveraging the world for development without becoming dependent. We hope to learn from Ireland’s valuable experience in this area,” he emphasized.
Prof. Nguyen Xuan Thang noted that Ireland offers valuable experience in attracting technology corporations, developing a knowledge-based economy, and harnessing human potential. Vietnam is poised to become a developed country by 2045, driven by innovation and strategic autonomy.
“After 40 years of renovation, Vietnam confidently steps into a new era, targeting double-digit growth and breakthroughs in science, technology, and the knowledge economy. We look forward to close cooperation with Ireland in areas where both countries have strengths,” Prof. Thang stressed.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening Vietnam–Ireland ties not only in economics and education but also in scientific research, green transition, and sustainable development, thereby contributing to a deeper friendship between the two nations.