Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 4 to 8 April, at the invitation of the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State, the Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam, Trần Thanh Mẫn, along with his spouse, will pay an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan and participate in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which will be held in Uzbekistan.

A Historic Visit in the Context of Bilateral Relations

The visit of the Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Trần Thanh Mẫn, to Uzbekistan is a landmark event reflecting the growing interest of both countries in strengthening bilateral cooperation. It opens new avenues for interaction in the fields of economy, politics, and culture.

Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn

The significance of this visit is further heightened by the fact that it takes place on the eve of the 150th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (IPA), making it an important step in aligning positions on key global issues.

The visit underscores the traditionally friendly relations between Vietnam and Uzbekistan, demonstrating mutual interest in their continued development. It also contributes to the formulation of unified approaches to parliamentary diplomacy, regional security, and sustainable development within the framework of the IPA.

Furthermore, this visit could serve as a catalyst for economic cooperation. Vietnam is actively expanding its trade ties with Central Asia, and Uzbekistan, with its strategically advantageous location, can play a key role in this process. Strengthening parliamentary interaction will facilitate the exchange of legislative experience and the enhancement of democratic institutions.

Additionally, the visit opens prospects for deeper integration of both countries into international structures and for expanding their presence on the global stage.

Thus, Trần Thanh Mẫn’s visit to Uzbekistan not only strengthens bilateral ties but also lays the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership.

Vietnam’s Economic Miracle: From Poverty to Growth Through Reforms and Investment

In recent decades, Vietnam has transformed into one of the most dynamically developing economies in the region, gradually becoming a new "Asian tiger." A crucial role in this transformation was played by the Đổi Mới reforms ("Renovation Policy"), launched in 1986 to establish a socialist-oriented market economy. These reforms enabled the country to achieve sustainable economic growth, significantly expand exports, and attract substantial foreign investment. However, economic modernization has also brought changes in other spheres, including politics, education, culture, and society as a whole.

Corner of Ho Chi Minh City (Illustration: vietnam.vnanet.vn)

Vietnam is also one of the most rapidly growing and promising digital economies in the region, with an annual growth rate of 38%. It is projected to become the second-largest digital economy in Southeast Asia by 2025. The country is rich not only in natural resources but also in human capital, with a population of nearly 101.44 million people.

Vietnam’s modern economic achievements are particularly noteworthy. According to recently published data from the General Statistics Office, Vietnam’s GDP growth rate reached 7.09% in 2024, making it one of the most dynamically developing economies in the world. The International Monetary Fund estimates that in 2024, Vietnam’s GDP reached $476.3 billion, ranking it fourth in Southeast Asia and 33rd globally.

Today, Vietnam has emerged as one of the world’s leading manufacturing hubs, particularly in electronics and textiles, and is actively engaged in international trade. The country has joined the RCEP and CPTPP, with foreign trade expected to reach $800 billion.

Thanks to its open investment climate, Vietnam ranks among the leaders in foreign direct investment (FDI) and is working toward the ratification of the EVIPA. Its export sector is expanding, including halal markets.

Economic diplomacy is strengthening cooperation with leading global companies, contributing to digital and green transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the semiconductor industry. Investments in technology and the creation of innovation centers are being actively promoted. These measures are aimed at sustainable development until 2030 and 2045.

On the multilateral stage, Vietnam is reinforcing its capabilities, role, and responsibilities in global affairs. The country actively promotes its position within ASEAN, the UN, APEC, the G20, BRICS, AIPA, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Francophonie. Vietnam successfully hosted the ASEAN Future Forum for the first time, launching discussions on the organization’s prospects through 2045.

Vietnam is a reliable and responsible partner in the international community. Maintaining diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Uzbekistan, it continues to assert itself as a trusted and accountable participant in global affairs. As of March 10, 2025, Vietnam has established comprehensive strategic partnerships with 11 countries and comprehensive partnerships with 14 others.

Halong Bay

From Diplomatic Relations to a Multidimensional Partnership

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 1992, Uzbekistan and Vietnam have pursued an open, mutually beneficial, and constructive foreign policy. The friendly ties between Tashkent and Hanoi have steadily strengthened, based on traditions of genuine friendship and mutual respect between their peoples.

Over the years, numerous high-level reciprocal visits have taken place. The most recent meeting between the leaders of both countries was held on October 17, 2023, in Beijing during the 3rd Belt and Road Forum. The Uzbek leader emphasized the importance of engagement with Vietnam and expressed a desire to deepen cooperation in key areas, including the oil and gas sector, education, student exchanges, and cultural ties.

At the BRICS summit in Kazan in October 2024, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Phạm Minh Chính, and stated that Vietnam is a reliable partner of Uzbekistan in Asia.

"I hope that Vietnam will become a bridge for Uzbekistan to expand its cooperation with ASEAN," the Uzbek leader remarked.

Both countries actively cooperate within the UN and other significant international organizations. As a signatory to the Bangkok Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, Vietnam has consistently supported Uzbekistan’s initiative to establish a Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.

Another factor bringing the two nations closer is their adherence to the "four no’s" principle in defense policy: (1) no military alliances, (2) no siding with one country against another, (3) no foreign military bases on their soil and no allowing their territory to be used against other countries, and (4) no use of force or threats in international relations.

A significant boost to these relations was provided by the signing of the Treaty on the Fundamentals of Interstate Relations and Cooperation in 1996, along with a number of intergovernmental agreements that laid the legal foundation for cooperation between Tashkent and Hanoi in political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

Initially, after establishing diplomatic ties, trade and economic relations between the two countries remained limited. Interaction was mainly focused on cultural and educational exchanges, as well as cooperation in agriculture and the textile industry. However, the lack of developed transport infrastructure and trade agreements constrained the potential for bilateral trade.

Since the early 2000s, Uzbekistan-Vietnam cooperation has gradually expanded. The first trade agreements were signed, simplifying export-import operations. Vietnam became one of the key buyers of Uzbek cotton and chemical products, while Uzbekistan increased imports of Vietnamese light industry goods, electronics, tea, and seafood.

Since 2017, under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiative, bilateral cooperation has reached a new level. In 2018, Vietnam expressed interest in increasing imports of Uzbek cotton and pharmaceuticals. The development of logistical routes through China and Kazakhstan has facilitated the delivery of goods.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Vietnam plays a crucial role in their bilateral relations. This encompasses educational exchanges, tourism development, cultural events, media collaborations, and literary exchanges.

Education is one of the key areas of cooperation. During the Soviet era, many Vietnamese students studied at Uzbek universities, such as Tashkent State University and the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry.

According to Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Lê Thị Thu Hằng, Uzbekistan and Vietnam share long-standing friendly relations. "Our countries are united not only by history but also by our people. More than 3,000 Vietnamese students who studied in Uzbekistan in the 1970s and 1980s have become a true bridge of friendship between our nations. Many of them now hold prominent positions in society, contributing to the strengthening of Uzbek-Vietnamese cooperation," she noted.

Cultural exchanges play a significant role in fostering friendship between the two peoples. Cultural days are regularly held in Tashkent and Hanoi, featuring exhibitions, theatrical performances, film screenings, concerts of traditional music, and dance shows. Vietnamese and Uzbek artists actively participate in international festivals, showcasing their cultural heritage.

Tourism plays an important role in the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Vietnam attracts Uzbek tourists with its beaches, natural landmarks, and cuisine. In turn, Uzbekistan is of great interest to Vietnamese travelers, particularly for its historical landmarks on the Great Silk Road, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbek tourists are keenly exploring new destinations in Vietnam, including Nha Trang, Da Nang, Dalat, Phu Quoc, and Halong.

The development of logistics and ongoing negotiations to launch new flight routes are contributing to the growth of tourist flows between the two countries. Last year, 20,000 Uzbek tourists visited Vietnam, while 1,200 Vietnamese tourists traveled to Uzbekistan. The active development of people-to-people diplomacy is reflected in the cooperation between the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Society and the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association. Representatives of these organizations actively participate in various international festivals of culture and arts. Notably, Vietnamese artists consistently take part in the international music festival "Sharq Taronalari," held annually in Samarkand.

The mutual cooperation in media and literature is also worth mentioning. In Uzbekistan, translations of works by Vietnamese classical authors are published, including the poetry of Ho Chi Minh, such as "Prison Diary," while in Vietnam, Uzbek folk tales and classical literature are translated. Mutual coverage of cultural events on television and in the press contributes to the popularization of the history and traditions of both countries.

Priorities for Uzbekistan-Vietnam Cooperation

Uzbekistan and Vietnam are actively developing cooperation across various fields. Vietnam imports products from Uzbekistan such as fertilizers, cotton, textile raw materials, leather, and footwear, while exporting computers, electronics, timber, and rubber.

Currently, five investment projects involving Vietnam are being implemented in Uzbekistan, with a total value of $4.4 million. These projects focus on the development of animal and fish feed production, aquaculture, and sericulture.

One of the key areas of cooperation is agriculture, especially the development of aquaculture and livestock farming. Uzbekistan has expressed interest in freshwater fish farming and has proposed exchanging experiences with Vietnam in this field.

In the field of education, cooperation continues to develop, building on the strong traditions from the Soviet era. Since 2004, Uzbekistan has been offering scholarships for Vietnamese students, and the Vietnamese language is actively studied at the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies.

Tourism between the two countries is also growing thanks to direct flights between Tashkent and Vietnam. In 2024, the number of Uzbek tourists visiting Vietnam reached 20,000, and Vietnamese interest in Uzbekistan is also on the rise.

To further deepen bilateral cooperation, both countries need to strengthen transport links, including rail and air connections, which will facilitate trade growth, increase investments, and promote tourism development.

Parliamentary cooperation between Uzbekistan and Vietnam plays a key role in strengthening political dialogue, legal harmonization, and the exchange of governance experiences. Official visits and parliamentary dialogues contribute to the development of trade and economic ties, protection of investors, and humanitarian initiatives.

In the future, it is planned to enhance inter-parliamentary dialogue, create working groups, and harmonize economic legislation, which will strengthen bilateral relations and provide a stable legal framework for long-term partnerships.

On the international stage, Uzbekistan and Vietnam cooperate within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), promoting regional cooperation, the green economy, and the development of international law.

Thus, the visit of the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Chân Thanh Man, to Uzbekistan and his participation in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in April 2025 will strengthen Uzbek-Vietnamese cooperation. The visit is expected to enhance inter-parliamentary dialogue, boost trade and investment, expand educational and cultural exchanges, and coordinate joint initiatives in international organizations. The visit will establish a solid foundation for further collaboration in political, economic, and humanitarian areas.

Dr. Tulanbay Kurbanov,

International Relations Expert,

Member of the Uzbekistan Journalists Union