Report : Tazeen Akhtar from ASEAN Monitoring Desk Islamabad
The Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to Pakistan, H.E Pham Anh Tuan has encouraged businessmen community from both countries to explore the opportunities that are available on both sides and build direct, long-term partnerships. He has pointed out some, saying, ” Our economies are highly complementary. Pakistan has strengths in cotton, textiles, pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments, while Viet Nam has strengths in agriculture, electronics, chemicals and information technology.”
He said this in his welcome address at the celebration of the 81st Anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. This year also marks 54 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Pakistan.
President Pakistan Congratulations to President Viet Nam
President of Pakistan, H.E Asif Ali Zardari extended felicitations to President To Lam, the Government and the people of Viet Nam on their 81st National Day. The President, in his letter, stated that since gaining independence in 1945, Viet Nam has overcome numerous challenges and achieved remarkable progress across political, economic and social spheres. He emphasised that Pakistan greatly values its cordial and friendly relations with Viet Nam and remains committed to further strengthening bilateral cooperation to realise its full potential for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The reception to mark the two auspicious occasions was held at the embassy and it was well attended by a large number of guests including the staff and Viet Nam community living in Islamabad. The staff and the spouses worked very hard to decorate the premises with their national colors and to present their tradition soup and cusine that was mouth watering indeed.
Maulana Naseem Ali Shah, Member of the National Assembly was Chief Guest while Ambassador Shahid Ali Seehar, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps also graced the event with their presence.
The guests pleasantly noted the participation of China and Japan together present at this event. Ambassador of Japan Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi and Deputy Head of Mission of China Mr. Shi Yuanqiang had a photograph together with the host Ambassador.
Chair of ASEAN Committee Islamabad , Ambassador Philippines, H.E Emmanuel R. Fernandez, the heads of the missions and diplomats of ASEAN in Islamabad were also present. They included Ambassadors of Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar.
Ambassadors of North Korea, Poland also participated in the celebration
The chief guest, MNA Nasim Ali Shah extended felicitations to the Embassy, Gov and people of Viet Nam and expressed his well articulated thoughts on the prospects of increasing a meaningful bilateral economic cooperation. He appreciated the development and prosperity Viet Nam has achieved after the independence in the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, the national leader and President To Lam.
He stated: “Pakistan does not necessarily need to copy Vietnam’s development model, but rather needs to learn from and selectively absorb valuable lessons from Vietnam’s economic transition.”
The host ambassador apprised the guests about the history of the day and the struggle his nation did to achieve independence from foreign occupation. He also shed light on the development and economic growth Viet Nam secured after the independence and became an emerging economy of South East Asia. He spoke highly about relations with Pakistan and expressed hope and confidence that mutual cooperation will be enhanced with the passage of time as great potential as well as keen desire is found on both sides.
Ambassador reaffirmed commitment to peace, friendship, cooperation and development. He said, the friendship between Viet Nam and Pakistan grows ever stronger, bringing greater prosperity to our peoples and contributing to peace and stability in our region.
History
On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. That historic moment opened a new era of independence and self-determination for our nation.
Over the past 81 years, generations of Vietnamese have devoted their efforts and sacrifices to defending our independence, building our country, and pursuing a better and happier life for our people.
Since the launch of Đổi Mới – the Renovation Policy – in 1986, Viet Nam has transformed from a poor and isolated country into a dynamic and deeply integrated economy. Today, Viet Nam maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries and is an active member of more than 70 international and regional organizations. We remain committed to being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.
ASEAN – Viet Nam and Pakistan | Navigating our Future Together
Economic Growth
Viet Nam continues to be a bright spot for economic growth in the region and the world. In 2025, our economy grew by more than 8 percent, the highest rate in over 15 years. GDP reached more than US$514 billion, while GDP per capita exceeded US$5,000. Viet Nam has officially joined the group of upper-middle-income economies.
Foreign direct investment reached nearly US$40 billion, while total import-export turnover surpassed US$900 billion for the first time. Viet Nam is also becoming an increasingly attractive destination for high technology, digital industries and global supply chains.
Building on these achievements, the successful 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam has set the strategic direction for a new stage of development, with a strong focus on innovation, digital transformation and sustainable growth. Viet Nam is determined to achieve its two centenary goals: becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045.
Bilateral Cooperation
This year also marks 54 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Pakistan. Over more than half a century, our friendship and cooperation have steadily expanded in politics, trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Our two countries share many common aspirations. We both value national independence and sovereignty, pursue economic development and international integration, and seek greater prosperity for our peoples. Viet Nam can serve as an important gateway for Pakistan to the dynamic ASEAN market of over 680 million people, while Pakistan can serve as an important bridge for Viet Nam to South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Trade has become one of the most dynamic areas of our cooperation. Two-way trade reached approximately US$850 million in 2025, and we are now working together toward US$1 billion and beyond.
An important milestone was the official launch of negotiations for the Viet Nam – Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (VPPTA) in 2025. Since then, negotiations have made steady progress, with the two sides having completed four rounds of technical negotiations. We believe that the PTA will help reduce trade barriers, improve market access and create new opportunities for our business communities.
Our economies are highly complementary. Pakistan has strengths in cotton, textiles, pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments, while Viet Nam has strengths in agriculture, electronics, chemicals and information technology. He encouraged businesses from both countries to explore these opportunities and build direct, long-term partnerships.
Tourism Culture
Beyond trade and investment, culture and tourism are also important bridges between our two peoples. Over the past year, the Embassy, together with our Pakistani partners, has promoted these exchanges through the publication of President Ho Chi Minh’s Prison Diary in Urdu, Vesak Day celebrations in Taxila, the Viet Nam pavilion at Lok Mela, the “Colors of Culture” fashion show, and our participation in the Pakistan Travel Mart Expo to promote Viet Nam as a tourism destination.
Through these activities, more and more people in our two countries are learning about each other’s history, culture, literature and tourist attractions, helping to bring our peoples and Viet Nam–Pakistan relations even closer together.
Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls, pho, and battered fish, prepared by the wives of the embassy staff, left an unforgettable impression on the guests.
