The event brought together the president of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) and representatives from leading Bangladeshi news organizations, including Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), UNB, Independent Television, ATN News, Bangladesh Post, Dhaka Bangla Channel, Business In Bangladesh and Aviation Express.

Speaking at the meeting,  Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong said 2025 marks a series of major milestones in Vietnam’s nation-building and development, as the country celebrates the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of national reunification, and the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

Despite mounting challenges stemming from regional and global developments, Vietnam has recorded notable achievements in 2025, the ambassador said. Under the decisive leadership of the Party and the State, the country has completed a major streamlining of its administrative apparatus, adopting a two-tier local government model, reorganizing provincial-level units and restructuring the Government. Economically, Vietnam has maintained strong and sustainable growth momentum, with GDP in 2025 projected to expand by more than 8 percent and the economy expected to reach US$510 billion, ranking 32nd globally.

Foreign direct investment continued to rise, with total registered FDI reaching US$185 billion during the 2021-2025 period, placing Vietnam among the world’s 15 leading developing economies in attracting foreign investment. Tourism also remained a bright spot, with more than 20 million international arrivals recorded in 2025.

On the external front, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that by consistently pursuing an independent, self-reliant foreign policy of multilateralization and diversification, proactive international integration, and the “four nos” national defense policy, Vietnam has achieved substantive diplomatic gains in 2025.

Vietnam has now established diplomatic relations with 195 countries and forged comprehensive or higher-level partnerships with 40 partners, including comprehensive strategic partnerships with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

In addition, the nation  has signed and implemented 17 free trade agreements with more than 60 partners, underscoring its commitment to trade liberalization, fair competition and sustainable development.

Turning to bilateral ties, the ambassador reaffirmed that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Bangladesh continues to be strengthened and expanded. Economic and trade cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship, with bilateral trade consistently exceeding US$1 billion over many years.

The two sides are actively reviewing a draft Preferential Trade Agreement, mechanisms for mutual recognition of Halal certification, and efforts to expedite the signing of a new air transport cooperation agreement, laying an important foundation for the launch of direct flights between the two capitals as early as 2026.

He expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will continue to deepen, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

At the meeting, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin conveyed his admiration and deep respect for Vietnam and its people, noting that the two countries share similarities in their histories of national liberation and have long supported each other in their respective development journeys.

Representatives of Bangladeshi media outlets expressed strong appreciation for Vietnam’s socio-economic and diplomatic achievements in recent years. They voiced hopes that direct air links between the two capitals would be launched soon and said they looked forward to visiting Vietnam to gain first-hand insights into its culture and daily life.

The media representatives also reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation with the Vietnamese Embassy and their readiness to support coverage of Vietnam and to report directly from major diplomatic and external affairs events hosted by the embassy in the time ahead.

Vietnam, Bangladesh step up cross-border e-commerce promotion

The Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Business Association in Bangladesh, organised the "Vietnam-Bangladesh cross-border e-commerce promotion forum" on March 25.