Vietnam Stands At Core Of Evolving ASEAN: Malaysian Ambassador

HANOI, July 25 (Bernama-VNA) -- Vietnam continues to hold a central position in an ever-evolving Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai has said.

Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in an interview with Tan in conjunction with 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN, reported Tan highlighted Vietnam’s prominent and active contributions to the ASEAN community-building process, especially during the bloc’s transformation from a loosely structured regional organisation into a rules-based community.

Vietnam made its mark early with the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) in 1998, hosting the 6th ASEAN Summit, and leading the bloc’s first formal workplan towards the ASEAN Vision 2020, he said.

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The country, which formally join ASEAN on July 28, 1995, also strongly supported the establishment of key ASEAN mechanisms during this period, such as the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), expanding the bloc’s dialogue partnerships and global reach.

He said notably, Vietnam’s Chairmanship in 2020, during the peak of COVID-19, demonstrated its strong leadership in crisis diplomacy.

For the first time in history, Vietnam hosted the ASEAN Summit virtually, alongside the establishment of the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, and the implementation of coordinated regional recovery measures, demonstrating the bloc’s solidarity and flexible response capability.

After 30 years, Vietnam has evolved from a new entrant into a credible, constructive, and consensus-building member of ASEAN, the diplomat said, noting that its performance reflects increasing confidence, growing diplomatic weight, and a strong commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and shared identity - well aligned with the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

According to the ambassador, Vietnam has emerged as one of ASEAN’s most dynamic economies, making significant contributions to ASEAN’s global trade profile and serving as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region.

Tan also highlighted the fruitful development in Vietnam-Malaysia bilateral relations in recent years, noting the recent upgrade of their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a timely and historic step.

According to the ambassador, Malaysia has so far invested over US$13 billion in Vietnam through around 760 projects across sectors such as manufacturing, finance, real estate, securities, and transport.

Malaysian investors have shown strong interest in key destinations such as Hai Phong with its fast-growing seaport and industrial zones, as well as Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Convenient air connectivity has helped attract Malaysian tourists not only to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but also to destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Sa Pa, Cat Ba, and Phu Quoc.

Conversely, Vietnamese travellers are also encouraged to visit Malaysia, especially in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.

The two countries have signed many bilateral agreements and are working toward finalising a Plan of Action (POA) for the next five to 10 years to guide cooperation in strategic areas such as trade, technology, and energy.

In 2024, two-way trade reached nearly US$18 billion. As an energy-producing nation, Malaysia complements Vietnam - a major energy consumer, especially in renewable energy, offering strong potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Malaysia also plays a key role in the semiconductor supply chain, supporting Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, as Vietnam emerges as a new production hub in Asia. With its young and dynamic workforce, Vietnam holds strong potential for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). 

The Vietnam - Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership serves as a catalyst for realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, VNA quoted Tan said.

He also suggesting strengthened bilateral cooperation in green energy trade and  Halal food supply chain between the two sides, towards scaling these initiatives across ASEAN.

Aligning Vietnam’s manufacturing strengths with Malaysia’s market access and investment capacity will help build robust supply chain corridors, thus supporting ASEAN’s goals for a digital and green economy by 2045, he added.

-- BERNAMA-VNA