Comprehensive Strategic Partnership gains traction

Vietnam and Malaysia set up diplomatic relations on March 30, 1973. They have built a robust relationship over more than five decades, with ties deepening since becoming Strategic Partners in 2015. The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year reflects heightened political trust, stronger economic and investment links, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

High-level engagements have been frequent, supported by mechanisms like the Joint Committee on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, the Joint Trade Committee, the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, and the Defence Cooperation Committee.

They are also working closely at global and regional forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations (UN) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Vietnam has pledged support for Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Economic, trade ties form core pillar

Economic and trade cooperation remains a highlight. Malaysia is Vietnam’s third largest trade partner in ASEAN and ninth worldwide. Two-way trade rose from US$12.5 billion in 2021 to US$14.2 billion in 2024. The figure hit US$10.66 billion in the first eight months of 2025. Both sides target US$18 billion this year.

Vietnam exports phones, components, crude oil, rice, and coffee to Malaysia, while importing computers, electronics, machinery, fuel, household appliances, and chemicals.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Dinh Ngoc Linh highlighted complementary strengths, noting potential in emerging sectors like the Halal industry, green economy, innovation, sci-tech, digital transformation, and green energy.

As members of ASEAN, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), both nations leverage these frameworks to bolster economic ties.

Malaysia, the 10th largest foreign investor in Vietnam among 143 countries and territories, has 731 active projects worth US$13 billion in education, manufacturing, power, gas, water, and processing. Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai pointed to Vietnam’s appeal for investors, with Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City emerging as favoured destinations.

Defence and security ties are gaining momentum, with active delegation exchanges, training, and information sharing on counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and transnational crime, underpinned by a 2015 agreement. This partnership safeguards national interests and supports regional peace and stability.

Bilateral cooperation in labour, culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges is flourishing. Joint training programmes focus on sci-tech, economics, and education management.

A 2001 visa-waiver agreement for ordinary passport holders, coupled with enhanced air connectivity, has fueled tourism. In 2024, Malaysia hosted over 300,000 Vietnamese visitors, while nearly 500,000 Malaysians traveled to Vietnam

Effective parliamentary links deepen

The Vietnamese NA and the Malaysian Parliament are deepening ties bilaterally and through forums like AIPA, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).

Recent exchanges and meetings reaffirmed their intent to intensify legislative cooperation, increase delegation exchanges, and formalise a cooperation agreement between the two legislatures. They also pledged mutual support on global and regional issues at multilateral inter-parliamentary forums of which they are members.

NA Chairman Man’s official visit to Malaysia and attendance at AIPA-46 highlight Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy priority of valuing friendly neighborliness and comprehensive strategic partnership with Malaysia. The trip reflects the trust and closeness among high-ranking leaders, takes stock of bilateral and inter-parliamentary achievements, while outlining concrete steps for more effective future coordination.

NA Chairman meets Vietnamese community in Malaysia

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Malaysia on September 16 as part of his official trip to the country.