Cooperation in the fields of Halal and oil exploitation are potential strengths in cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia.
The above is the comment of Associate Professor, Dr. Awang Azman Bin Awang Pawi, of the University of Malaya, in an exchange with the VNA reporter in Kuala Lumpur on the occasion of the two countries’ 50th anniversary of establishing foreign relations. delivered (March 30, 1973 – March 30, 2023).
Associate Professor, Dr. Awang said it is expected that by 2025, in Malaysia, the Halal food industry will contribute 14 billion USD, accounting for 8% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Malaysia has reaffirmed its position as the leading Halal hub in the world in 2020 when the annual export value of these products reaches $7.5 billion. Malaysia is a Muslim country with many strengths in Halal field such as providing Halal certificate, training, chain link.
As an open Muslim country, Malaysia is willing to cooperate and work towards potential market like Vietnam because of its strengths in the field of agricultural products and Sea food.
Referring to the strengths of the two countries that need to be promoted to strengthen cooperation, expert Awang said that it is a strategy to attract foreign investment, maintain political stability and promote the market for skilled human resources. , skilled and offer friendly business policy.
He also expressed his belief that the two countries will have impressive growth steps and become the leading economies in ASEAN.
Vietnam exports steel and electronic equipment to Malaysia, while Malaysia wants to export to Vietnam ore and oil-related products. In these fields, the two countries have strengths that can be cooperated. On that basis, bilateral relations will be more focused.
Assessing the long-term relationship in the past half decade, Associate Professor, Dr. Awang commented, looking at the history of relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, the two countries have established diplomatic relations since 1973, before when Vietnam fully gained independence in 1975.
[Thúc đẩy quan hệ Đối tác chiến lược Việt Nam-Malaysia]
In the post-war period, Malaysia also assisted Vietnam in rebuilding its economy by providing economic technical assistance. It was the first stage in the relationship between the two countries.
At the time Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995, Malaysia welcomed the decision.
Vietnam is the 11th partner and the 7th largest export market of Malaysia. (Artwork: Hong Dat/VNA)In the 50 years of friendship, the two countries have signed many memorandums of understanding on cooperation in fields such as diplomacy, military, labor and even information technology.
In 2022, Vietnam is the 11th partner and the 7th largest export market of Malaysia. In the first four months of 2021, Vietnam exported goods to Malaysia worth $1.07 billion.
Meanwhile, Malaysia invests in hundreds of projects in Vietnam with a total value of 13 billion USD and is in the top 10 countries investing in Vietnam. In the opposite direction, Vietnam is also implementing a number of projects in Malaysia worth about 1 billion USD.
During a press conference on the occasion of the March 2022 visit to Vietnam of Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri, the two countries set a target of bringing bilateral trade turnover to 18 billion USD by 2025. This shows Vietnam and Malaysia’s relationship is “bearing fruit.”
At multilateral forums, the two countries share common issues such as ASEAN’s views on national and world security, as well as peace and stability in the region. The two countries agreed to resolve differences through diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.
Referring to measures to promote relations, Associate Professor, Dr. Awang said that on the one hand, the two countries need to promote economic cooperation, and on the other hand, need to continue to explore other potentials of cooperation. He suggested a number of potential areas such as tourism, education, renewable energy, medical care services… Moreover, the two sides focused on developing the Halal industry, food security, and manufacturing. electronic products.
According to him, Vietnam and Malaysia have both ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The two countries have many opportunities to boost exports when enjoying preferential tariffs.
Moreover, joining the CPTPP also means that the two countries will be able to open the door to supply goods and services to the markets of major countries.
Associate Professor, Dr. Awang expressed his belief that this year Malaysia and Vietnam will continue to cooperate and reap positive results.
Hang Linh (VNA/Vietnam+)