Meeting with Taxco Mayor Juan Andrés Vega Carranza, Hai expressed his admiration for Taxco’s historic charm and its renowned tradition of silver craftsmanship - a reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage, artistic creativity, and economic identity. He noted that Vietnam also has a long-standing tradition in craft villages, particularly in precious metalworking, and proposed launching collaboration in handicrafts and jewelry-making.

The ambassador affirmed Vietnam’s willingness to serve as a bridge for cooperation by promoting initiatives such as artisan exchanges, trade fairs, and thematic workshops. He underscored that with the engagement of both countries’ business communities, there is strong potential for trade and investment in handcrafted jewelry, cultural and artistic products, precious metals, and creative tourism services.

Despite the geographical distance, Hai highlighted striking similarities between Taxco and Vietnam's heritage destinations such as Hoi An, Hue, and Ninh Binh. He suggested both sides explore partnerships in sustainable tourism management, urban heritage preservation, and culture-driven economic development. He also proposed establishing a regular and direct communication channel between Taxco city's administration and the Vietnamese Embassy to support practical and long-term cooperation initiatives.

Vega Carranza warmly welcomed the Vietnamese delegation to one of Mexico’s most iconic tourism cities and expressed his strong desire to deepen friendly and substantive ties with Vietnam, particularly in areas of mutual strength like handicrafts, cultural tourism, education, and heritage preservation.

The mayor praised Vietnam’s dynamic development and rising global position, stressing that Hai’s visit marked an important step in fostering mutual understanding and expanding cooperation between Taxco and Vietnamese localities.

On this occasion, Vega Carranza presented Hai with a insignia from the Taxco City Council, recognising the ambassador and the embassy’s contributions to promoting Vietnam-Mexico friendship and partnership.

Earlier the same day, a seminar entitled “Vietnam towards a new era of development” was held at the Teaching Centre for Foreigners (CEPE) in Taxco, drawing the participation of scholars, entrepreneurs, journalists, and writers from Guerrero state and the city.

At the event, Hai highlighted Vietnam’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, describing the country as a gateway for Mexico to access broader Asian markets. He noted that Vietnam has become one of the region’s most dynamic economies, with an average annual growth rate of nearly 7% since 1986. In 2024, it attracted nearly US$40 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), solidifying its role in regional and global supply chains and ranking among the world’s top 20 economies in terms of international trade.

Beyond economic achievements, Hai promoted Vietnam as a safe, vibrant tourist destination rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary diversity.

Vega Carranza emphasised the significance of the 50-year diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Mexico - five decades of mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity.

The seminar not only offered a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s development potential but also opened new avenues for cooperation in trade, culture, and tourism. Many attendees raised specific questions, reflecting real interest in expanding future collaboration.

As part of the event, the Vietnamese delegation also organised a photo exhibition and culinary space, offering guests a taste of Vietnam’s traditional dishes.

Mexico-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group paves way for stronger ties

The Mexico - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group has been instrumental in advancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, as well as broader ties across various potential fields, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai.