Yunnan-Vietnam Trade Soars, Fostering Stronger Ties
Deep-rooted efforts launched by Deputy PM to boost partnership with Yunnan Province in China.
YUNNAN - The Vietnamese government is always committed to bolstering cooperation between its localities and China's Yunnan Province, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha. In a recent meeting with Governor Wang Yubo, Ha reaffirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to fostering friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation with China.
During his visit to Yunnan, Ha attended the opening of the 9th China-South Asia Expo and the 29th Kunming Import and Export Fair. He highlighted the upturn in trade between Yunnan and Vietnamese localities, which vigorously surged 17.8% to a whopping $3.13 billion in 2024.
Ha emphasized the importance of translating high-level agreements into actionable steps and proposed several measures to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two regions:
- Strengthening railway connectivity, particularly the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong line.
- Expanding cooperation in commercial aviation and inland waterways.
- Promoting balanced and sustainable growth to reach an ambitious $5 billion in trade.
- Mutual recognition of testing and quarantine standards, enhanced power grid connectivity, and upgraded border infrastructure to streamline cross-border transport.
- Offering more scholarships, particularly in science, technology, transport, and railway sectors, to Vietnamese students in Yunnan.
- Strengthening land border management, expediting the opening and upgrading of border gates, and building a peaceful, stable boundary.
- Cooperating under the Mekong-Lancang framework for sustainable development, focusing on agricultural practices, hydrological data, river basin management, and tropical monsoon data.
Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà (left) at the meeting with Governor of Yunnan Province Wang Yubo on June 19. - VNA/VNS Photo
Wang, in agreement with Ha's proposals, affirmed Yunnan's readiness to collaborate closely with Vietnamese localities to concretize their shared visions. They both agreed that the provinces would actively coordinate with various ministries, agencies, and localities to boost exchanges at all levels, optimize the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, and promote connectivity in key areas.
Vietnam-Laos Relationship Grows Stronger
In a separate meeting with Laotian counterpart Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Ha stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State give the highest priority to the special and unique relationship with Laos. The Lao Deputy PM pledged his country's commitment to supporting Vietnam's development.
Both officials praised the active collaboration between ministries, sectors, and localities of both countries in addressing challenges, with several key cooperation projects progressing well. They agreed to continue bolstering implementation of high-level agreements and cooperation programs, prioritizing economic connectivity, particularly in transport infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà (right) and Lao counterpart Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune at their meeting in Yunnan, China, on June 19. - VNA/VNS Photo
Additionally, the officials emphasized the need for ongoing public awareness and education, particularly among the younger generation, to ensure that future generations understand and value the unique ties between Vietnam and Laos.
Investment Opportunities in Vietnam
During a meeting with Gan Lin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of energy company Lancang-Mekong International (LMI), and Chen Zhong, deputy general director of China Communications Construction Co. Ltd (CCCC), Ha expressed warm welcomes to Chinese enterprises with effective investment policies, technologies, and projects in green energy sectors such as wind power, solar power, and pumped-storage hydropower, as well as in road, railway, aviation, and seaport infrastructure.
Trade between Vietnam and Yunnan Province has shown promise, and ongoing initiatives could lead to further growth in the bilateral relationship. With an emphasis on collaboration, both sides stand to gain mutually beneficial outcomes from strengthening exchanges and fostering close ties.
- Amidst the robust growth in Yunnan-Vietnam trade, the AI-driven policy discussions have highlighted the need for further energy cooperation, focusing on green technologies in wind, solar, and pumped-storage hydropower sectors.
- In the realm of general news, the commitment by the Vietnamese and Laotian governments to foster educational programs and public awareness, particularly among the younger generation, underscores the importance of preserving cross-border ties.
- Meanwhile, in the political sphere, both Deputy Prime Ministers reaffirmed their governments' resolve to combat crime and promote sustainable development under the Mekong-Lancang framework, focusing on agricultural practices, hydrological data, river basin management, and tropical monsoon data.
- The promises of trade surges continue, as the government's strategy encourages business expansion in key areas such as road, railway, aviation, and seaport infrastructure, aiding in the realization of an ambitious $5 billion in Yunnan-Vietnamese trade.
- Not confined to trade, the cooperation between Vietnam and Laos extends to strengthening land border management, expediting the opening and upgrading of border gates, and building a peaceful, stable boundary – all significant measures in the larger context of regional politics.
- As war-torn regions strive for peace, the collaboration between neighboring countries like Vietnam and Yunnan serves as a beacon of hope for sustainable growth, fostering economic connectivity and promoting shared values across borders.
