Vietnam – Malaysia: Relations Increasingly Substantive

As part of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City has coordinated with partners to organize a series of events to celebrate the relationship between the two countries. Madam Wong Chia Chian, Malaysian Consul General, exchanged with the Vietnam Business Forum some information about these programs.

Would you please tell us about the bright spots in the relationship between the two countries during the past years, especially since this relationship was improved to become a Strategic Partnership in 2015?

Malaysia and Vietnam have enjoyed warm and cordial relations, premised on broad-based, substantive and mutually beneficial cooperation since the establishment of our diplomatic relations on 30 March 1973.

The strengthening of our bilateral relations is evident in the establishment of our Strategic Partnership in August 2015. Both countries are currently implementing the Plan of Action for the period of 2021-2025 and are committed to achieving the goals underlined under the Plan of Action.

Vietnam continues to be an important neighbor and partner to Malaysia in numerous areas including trade and investment, financial sectors, agriculture, education, cultures and tourism.

Malaysia is the second largest investor in ASEAN in Vietnam with 668 valid projects with a total capital of US$13 billion, so what is Vietnam's strength to attract Malaysian investors and what are the potential areas of cooperation, directions and measures to be implemented to realize these potentials, thereby deepening the Vietnam-Malaysia cooperation?

Vietnam’s competitive labor supply, ready workforce, and friendly business environment are attracting foreign investors, including those from Malaysia.

We see that deeper cooperation can be fostered by encouraging companies and private sectors from both countries to collaborate and benefit from our various free trade agreements for wider and more competitive market access.

We always encourage our companies to network, share information and find strategic and mutual interests for win-win cooperation. For Malaysian companies, it is important to be innovative and proactive to strengthen their presence in Vietnam. Similarly, we encourage Vietnamese companies to seek partnerships with Malaysian companies to increase their capabilities in the market not only in ASEAN but also globally.

Our companies should continue to collaborate and strengthen existing areas where the use of automation and digitalization can help improve and strengthen their business presence and productivity. For example, smart cities and smart agriculture require cooperation between companies from the construction, agricultural industry, and technology providers.

Vietnam companies should also leverage Malaysia’s strength in the Halal sectors and be one of the Halal industry players globally. We, therefore, invite the relevant ministries, agencies, and companies from Vietnam to The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2023 to capitalize on the US$5 trillion global halal industry. Other areas of cooperation include the education and healthcare sectors.

Visitors at one of the events organized by the Consulate General of Malaysia

Malaysia is a destination and center for Halal products trusted by Middle Eastern countries and a potential market for Vietnamese businesses. What support does the Consulate General have to help businesses of the two countries promote these products into the Malaysian market, as well as go deeper into the Muslim market in particular and the community in general?

We see that Vietnam produces a variety of good marketable products that are of international standard. The marketability of products can be further enhanced by achieving Halal standards. Malaysia has renowned expertise in the Halal industry.

With the world’s Muslims making up 25% of the global population, and the halal economy projected to touch US$5 trillion by 2030, there are numerous opportunities for businesses to capture. We, therefore, invite the relevant ministries, agencies, and companies from Vietnam to The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2023 to capitalize on the US$5 trillion global halal industry. MIHAS will be held in Malaysia, from 12-15 September 2023.

The goal of MIHAS 2023 is to keep accelerating the halal industry's expansion. MIHAS continues to serve as a forum for discussion and exploration of business relationships that will drive consumers’ confidence in halal products and services.

We have cooperation from VAFA and HUFO to host a Business Networking Session between Malaysian businesses and Vietnamese businesses. For inquiries about the Halal sector, Malaysia will be organizing Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2023 in Kuala Lumpur on 12-15 September 2023.

A series of events this year organized by the Consulate General to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-Vietnam diplomatic relations such as Malaysia Madani Week including the Malaysia Madani Pavilion, and the Malaysian Food Culture Program in a number of hotels throughout Ho Chi Minh City. Could you say something about the reception of the Vietnamese people with these programs in particular and with the culture of Malaysia in general?

The feedback that we have received about Malaysia Madani Week is very encouraging.

The Malaysia Madani Week is an opportunity for our Vietnamese friends to know more about Malaysian businesses, education, culture and tourism. Similarly, it is also opportune for our Malaysians and businesses to learn more about Vietnam.

The Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City will organize a ‘Malaysia Madani Week’ which will take place from 9-18 June 2023. This is our first time combining our Malaysian brands across sectors – from trade, education and tourism sectors. Malaysia Madani Week is part of the celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Vietnam.

Thank you very much!

Source: Vietnam Business Forum