Malaysia-Vietnam relations at all-time high: consul general

The Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony on Monday to commemorate the 68th National Day of Malaysia (August 31) at the Caravelle Hotel in Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Vice-chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha attended and delivered congratulatory remarks at the event.

Vietnam a key economic partner

In his opening remarks, Othman said that as Malaysia commemorates its independence, the meaning of 'Merdeka' (independence) resonates more deeply than ever.

“It is a time to honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the shared values that have long defined us as Malaysians,” the diplomat affirmed.

Othman assessed that the relationship between Malaysia and Vietnam is at an all-time high and continues to evolve and strengthen, especially since the elevation to comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Malaysian consul general affirmed that Vietnam remains a key economic partner for Malaysia, with bilateral trade growing significantly.

Last year, Vietnam was Malaysia's 11th-largest trading partner globally and 4th-largest within ASEAN, demonstrating the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries.

Othman emphasized that people-to-people relations continue to flourish, with education remaining a key priority.

The number of Vietnamese students in Malaysia has grown impressively to 783 in 2024 from 177 in 2022, reflecting strong confidence in Malaysia's higher education.

Answering Tuoi Tre News, CG Firdauz Othman stated that Vietnam is a close partner of Malaysia and ASEAN.

He affirmed Vietnam as a key strategic partner, not only in bilateral relations but also at the regional level.

“Since joining ASEAN 30 years ago, Vietnam has transformed remarkably into an economic powerhouse. That gives Malaysia some sort of confidence that Vietnam is a trusted partner and also a good friend, contributing significantly to shared peace and prosperity," Othman stated.

He also stated that the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City is committed to fostering even closer engagement with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and local partners, expanding cooperation across various fields from urban development to cultural exchanges.

Vietnam welcomes Malaysian businesses

Vice-chairman Ha, on behalf of the city's leadership, extended congratulations to all officials and staff of the Consulate General, as well as the Malaysian community of entrepreneurs, students, and citizens living, studying, and working in the city.

Ha assessed that over nearly seven decades since gaining independence, Malaysia has attained tremendous achievements across all fields, transforming from an agriculture-based economy into one of the leading regional and global centers of industry, seaports, trade, and finance.

“Malaysia's success is not only a source of pride for Malaysians but also an inspiration for ASEAN countries, including Vietnam. As close members of the ASEAN family, we highly value Malaysia's active, proactive role and significant contributions as ASEAN Chair in 2025,” he emphasized.

Besides, Ha expressed confidence that friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Malaysia will continue to develop.

Currently, Malaysia is Vietnam's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and ninth globally, with bilateral trade reaching US$14.2 billion in 2024.

Both countries have set the target of raising bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030 in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner, while expanding into new areas such as the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, and halal food.

Ha affirmed that the Ho Chi Minh City government welcomes and stands ready to facilitate Malaysian businesses and citizens to promote trade, investment, tourism, and education in the city.

“This will deepen ties between Ho Chi Minh City and Malaysian localities while enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries,” he added.