In the past ten years, the volume of trade between Qatar and Vietnam has surged by 44 percent, reaching more than QR2bn. This increase in trade has sparked further efforts to enhance ties between the two countries, with high-ranking delegations expected to exchange visits in the coming months. During a press conference at the Embassy premises, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Qatar, H E Nguyen Huy Hiep, highlighted the importance of this exchange as a momentum for both countries to collaborate on initiatives and commitments, working closely to implement them effectively.
The Embassy of Vietnam in Qatar is planning to organize cultural and artistic exchange events, such as photo exhibitions, to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. Additionally, efforts will be made to expand Arabic language scholarship programs and university majors in Qatar for Vietnamese students. The Ambassador also praised Qatar’s efforts in addressing climate change, including its role in the Climate Change Summit in 2019 and the Global Dryland Alliance. Qatar’s commitment to environmental development, as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, was also commended by the Ambassador.
Vietnam highly appreciates the progress Qatar has made in implementing its National Vision 2030, particularly in the field of clean energy, such as the use of solar energy. The Ambassador expressed the intention to prioritize bilateral relations in various sectors, including energy, investment, labor, culture, tourism, and education. Key areas of focus for strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and Qatar include green energy, digital transformation, and the Halal industry. The longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries, established in 1993, are based on mutual trust and benefits, with regular exchanges of delegations at different levels and cooperation mechanisms in place.
While the two-way trade volume between Vietnam and Qatar fluctuates from around $400m to $500m annually, there is still untapped potential for cooperation that could benefit both countries. Vietnam exports a range of products to Qatar, including machinery, smartphones, seafood, rubbers, and vegetables, while Qatar exports products such as LNG, ethylene polymers, crude iron, and unwrought aluminum to Vietnam. The Ambassador emphasized that Vietnam can supply more products that Qatar needs and has a demand to import more petrochemical products from Qatar. Vietnam’s position as one of the top 40 leading economies in the world and an important link in various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) makes it a promising partner for Qatar.
In conclusion, Vietnam stands ready to strengthen its partnership with Qatar and capitalize on areas of potential growth, such as the Halal industry, green energy, and related businesses. With a strong foundation of mutual trust and cooperation, Vietnam and Qatar are poised to expand their collaboration across various sectors to the benefit of their people. The upcoming exchange of high-ranking delegations between the two countries is expected to further solidify their ties and pave the way for increased trade and investment opportunities. As they move forward, Vietnam and Qatar are set to explore new avenues of cooperation and mutually beneficial initiatives that will contribute to the prosperity of both nations.
