Vietnam, Jordan target $1bn two-way trade by 2035

The agreement was reached during talks between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Speaker of the Jordanian House of Representatives Mazen Turki El Qadi in Hanoi on Tuesday, during El Qadi’s official visit to Vietnam from February 2 to 5.

The discussions took place amid growing momentum in Vietnam-Jordan relations following the historic visit to Vietnam by King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein in November 2025.

During the talks, Chinh and El Qadi agreed to expand market access for their countries' key products, support food security, and strengthen cooperation in the halal sector, which both sides see as an area of strong potential.

According to official figures, two-way trade turnover in 2025 reached nearly $237 million, with Vietnam’s exports accounting for about $231.3 million, Nhan Dan (People) newspaper reported.

Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to work toward raising bilateral trade to $500 million by 2030 and $1 billion by 2035.

El Qadi proposed establishing a free trade zone dedicated to Vietnamese goods in Jordan to facilitate exports to the wider Middle East, alongside the creation of joint ventures in promising sectors.

Both leaders shared the view that the proposed free trade zone could help move bilateral relations into a more substantive and effective phase, unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment between Vietnam and the Middle East.

Affirming that Jordan considers Vietnam an important partner in Asia, El Qadi expressed a desire to deepen cooperation and share experience in areas where both countries have strengths, including agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, defense industry, cybersecurity, halal production, and science and technology.

Chinh said Vietnam is ready to ensure a stable and high-quality supply of agricultural and aquatic products for Jordan, while welcoming Jordanian businesses to explore investment and business opportunities in Vietnam.

He also suggested studying the application of Jordan’s coral reef-based technology to combat saltwater intrusion in Vietnam.

The two leaders discussed steps to open resident representative offices in each of their countries’ capitals and establish a Vietnam–Jordan business cooperation working group.

In addition, they agreed to push forward negotiations on key agreements, including visa exemption, investment protection, and the avoidance of double taxation.

Beyond economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen consultation, coordination, and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly at major organizations such as the United Nations and UNESCO.

They also pledged to cooperate on regional and global issues in line with international law and each side’s principled position.

On the occasion, Chinh extended invitations to Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan to pay official visits to Vietnam.

Vietnam and Jordan established diplomatic relations in 1980, and their multifaceted cooperation has continued to develop steadily in recent years.