Vietnam boasts potential waiting to be exploited: Malaysian minister
Being the ninth-largest foreign investor, Malaysia’s presence in Vietnam is a positive trajectory for strengthening bilateral trade between the two countries, making Vietnam an important investment destination, especially in utilities, manufacturing and real estate development, said a Malaysian official.
Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali (Photo: Reuters)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Being theninth-largest foreign investor, Malaysia’s presence in Vietnam is a positivetrajectory for strengthening bilateral trade between the two countries, makingVietnam an important investment destination, especially in utilities,manufacturing and real estate development, said a Malaysian official.
Malaysian Minister of InternationalTrade and Industry (MITI) MohamedAzmin Ali, in his recent tweet, stressed that “it is a matter of pride to see prominent Malaysian companies investing andoperating in contributing to the socio-economic advancement by way of providingemployment to the Vietnamese people, while availing the vast opportunities tocompete on a global scale”.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses and trade activities,nevertheless, given the high percentage of the adult ✅population being fullyvaccinated, both countries are set to move towards transitioning to the endemicphase where international borders are opened, he said.
High-end apartment projects in Gamuda Gaderns urban area in Hanoi invested by Malaysia real estate group Gamuda Land (Photo: VNA)
Azmin said trade willget more seamless when disruptions to the supply chain are reduced.
The Vietnamese businesscommunity should take the opportunity on the expanded market access as it wouldprovide intra-regional sourcing of raw materials at a competitive cost, thusfurther deepening the supply chain integration within the region, he noted.
The Malaysian minister also mentioned his meeting with theVietnamese business community, saying that it was a very good exchange of views.
“I listened to the candid and frank perspectives and there is much merit insome of the very constructive suggestions made which MITI will follow through”,he said.
Azmin said it is noteworthythat many Vietnamese companies employ a sizable number ofMalaysians at both personnel and management levels, with most Malaysiansconsidering Vietnam as their second home.
"It was interesting to hear that GAMI Group is interested in pursuingcollaboration with Malaysian companies on electric vehicle (EV) projectswhereas VietJet is ready to fly to Kuala Lumpur and in fact, will resume theirroute between Vietnam and Malaysia starting April 1, 2022.”
Vietnam’s Hoa Binh Construction Group is very supportiveand receptive of incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG📖)elements into their business operations and plans on real estate development,he said, adding that the ties suit well with Malaysia’s national investmentaspirations that place ESG as one of its core pillars./.
The official visit to Vietnam by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob on March 20 - 21 is expected to help intensify the two countries’ strategic partnership in a more substantive manner.
Despite difficulties and challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam - Malaysia trade has recorded positive signals, potentially achieving a two-way turnover of 18 billion USD in 2025, according to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Director of ASEAN and Oceania Raja Badrulnizam Raja Kamalzaman.
There is a really great potential for Vietnam and Malaysia to promote economic cooperation in the post-COVID-19 period, especially in trade and investment, according to an official from the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI).
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob and a high-ranking delegation of Malaysia arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on March 20, starting a three-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah on March 20 morning to discuss preparations for the official visit to Vietnam by Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob which takes place on March 20-21.
Within the framework of his official visit to Vietnam, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob held a meeting in Hanoi on March 20 with representatives from three Vietnamese groups, namely Sovico, Hoa Binh Construction and Gami.
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Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang acknowledged the target represents an important milestone for socio-economic development as well as a demonstration of the country’s aspiration for robust economic growth.
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With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,276 VND/USD and the floor rate 23,774 VND/USD.
Effective from the date of signing on June 18, the decision halts procedures outlined in the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Vietnam and Laos on the initial implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement at the Lao Bao–Densavan border gate.
The event aimed to update businesses on new regulations and compliance requirements regarding US tax, trade, and customs policies, while offering practical solutions to facilitate exports amid shifting trade dynamics.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
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The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.