Tazeen Akhtar with Camera Raja Ghulam Farid
Mr. Bilal Azhar KAYANI, Minister of state for Finance and Railways of Pakistan has said that Pakistan appreciates economic and social development of Viet Nam. Pakistan is impressed by the growth , Viet Nam has achieved in last years transforming into a rapidly developing country. Therefore Pakistan is keen to share the experiences of Viet Nam. Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Viet Nam.
He expressed these views in his address to the guests of the grand reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs H.E Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Viet Nam and staff on auspicious occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Islamabad on 28th Aug 2025. The actual day is 02 Sep but the series of the celebrations start many days before the date.
The Minister shared good news at the occasion that both countries will soon sign Preferential Trade Agreement PTA and both sides are working on the finalization of the document. He said PTA will help increase the bilateral cooperation and give boost to trade volumn as well.
Minister, on behalf of Government and people of Pakistan extended heartily felicitations to the Government, people and embassy staff of Viet Nam. He expressed best wishes for the prosperity and well being of Viet Nam in the future. He emphsized on the shared commitment of both countries for peace and prosperity in our countries and in the World. He expressed his gratitude for Viet Nam’s support for Pakistan at ASEAN.
The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Pakistan celebrated the 80th Anniversary of Independence Day in Islamabad with a notable participation from the representatives of Government of Pakistan, civil military officials, Ambassadors and diplomats from ASEAN countries and others. It was a memrable event that was enriched with the cultureal demonstration of Vietnam Pakistan youth and families together.
Mr. and Mrs H.E Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Viet Nam and staff spent one whole month in the preparations of their auspicious day and the celebration was reflecting their hard work and enthusiasm for their National Day and for their great nation and country.
Mr. Bilal Azhar KAYANI, Minister of state for Finance and Railways was the Chief Guest, while Former Deputy Chairman Senate , Salim Mandviwala also attended the event.
Mr. Shahid Ali Seehar, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Atadjan MOVLAMOV, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar,Philippines, Brunie, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Syria, Poland, Romania, Germany, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda and many other countries.
Ambassador H.E Pham Anh Tuan , in his welcome address, detailed full spectrum of bilateral relations with Pakistan. He said , It has now been 53 years since the day Vietnam and Pakistan established the diplomatic relation. Over the more than half century, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries has been developed in multi faceted factors such as politics, economic cooperation, trading relations, cultural, people–to-people exchange. We also share a common interest in developing our countries and integrating into the regions and the world for the benefit of our people.
Today, bilateral trade relations between the two countries have emerged as one of the most dynamic areas of cooperation. The two-way trade volume reached US$850 million in 2024, and is expected to rise to US$1 billion in 2025. The two countries have signed a number of treaties and agreements, creating a solid legal framework for further cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit – such as Bilateral Political Consultations, the Joint Ministerial Committee and the Joint Trade Committee.
A landmark step was taken at the 5th Meeting of the Pakistan–Vietnam Joint Trade Committee in Hanoi in July 2025, where both sides agreed to launch negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement within this year. This important development will help reduce trade barriers and open up new opportunities for our business communities.
To give bilateral trade significant rise, the Ambassador suggested ; two sides may coordinate to hold the activities of promotion of trade and investment such as trade fairs, exhibition, forums, exploration. He offered all type of assistance from his side to create favorable conditions for all businessmen of Pakistan doing business with Vietnam.
Ambassador mentioned major sectors for bilateral trade as ; cotton, manufacturing of pharmaceutical, surgical instruments which are the strengths of Pakistan. Vietnam has strengths in exporting tea, rubber, pepper, dry nuts, textile products, chemical products and information technology. Together, we can deepen our economic partnership for mutual benefit. Vietnam today stands as a leading exporter on the global stage: first in pepper and cashew nuts; second in rice and coffee; and among the top nations in textiles and seafood.
H.E Pham Anh Tuan assured that the Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan will continue to work closely with the intending businessmen to expand and enrich the partnership. He reaffirmed shared commitment to friendship, and cooperation. He wished , May the friendship between Vietnam and Pakistan grow ever stronger, bringing prosperity to our peoples and contributing to stability and harmony across our wider region.
The reception on National Day had many colors and attractions that are rarely found in the receptions of other countries.
1- The Traditional Dresses : The staff of the embassy and Viet Nam community in Islamabad were dressed in multi color traditional dresses that had great attraction for the guests, especially for the women who are most sensible in dress than the men.
2- Food and Soup : Viet Nam events are not complete without their mouth watering food and traditional soup. The guests enjoyed the dishes and admired the taste in the hands of Viet Namese ladies.
3- Pakistani touch : Viet Nam embassy invited Pakistani enthusiasts as well who were wearing local dresses of different regions of Pakistan.
4- Cultural Show : The youth from both sides including the staff of the embassy, their spouses and kids participated in the cultural show and won huge applaud from the guests.
The businessman community, civil society and media persons were also present at the occasion in extra large number.
Viet Nam’s Journey from a Poor , Isolated Country to a Prosperous State ! Shared by the Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan
Over the past 80 years, generations of Vietnamese have devoted their lives, their efforts, and their wisdom to the cause of national independence, freedom, national development, and the happiness of our people.
Since the start of Renovation Policy (Đổi mới) in 1986, Vietnam has transformed from an impoverished and isolated country into a dynamic developing economy. Today, Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries, including strategic and comprehensive partnerships with 38 nations. We are an active member of more than 70 international and regional organizations and play a constructive role in advancing peace, cooperation, and development.
In 2024, Vietnam’s GDP was recorded at US$475 billion. Our per capita income reached US$4,700, while the economy achieved a remarkable growth rate of 7.1 percent. These achievements reflect not only the resilience of our people but also the bright future of our nation.
Alongside agriculture, Vietnam has also achieved remarkable progress in the field of information technology. Software and IT service exports exceeded US$11 billion in 2024, with many technological solutions widely adopted in advanced markets. Vietnam is now among the world’s leading destinations for software outsourcing and an attractive hub for digital technology investment. This progress highlights our country’s determination to embrace innovation, enhance competitiveness, and contribute more actively to the global digital economy.
Vietnam today is known as a nation with a stable political environment, a vibrant culture, and a friendly, peace-loving people. Viet Nam is ever ready to be a friend to all countries and peoples, striving for peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
History of the National Day
On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of Vietnam, proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, which is now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. From that historic moment, our people entered a new era of independence and self-determination.
