Doha, Qatar – The economic relationship between Qatar and Vietnam has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with a significant 44% increase in the volume of trade between the two nations. This robust growth sets the stage for even deeper collaboration, with high-ranking delegation exchanges expected in the coming months, promising to further strengthen ties across multiple sectors.
“The two-way trade has grown significantly in the last 30 years, with the past decade seeing a notable 44% increase in trade volume, rising from QR1.4 billion to more than QR2 billion,” remarked H.E. Nguyen Huy Hiep, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Qatar, during a recent press conference at the Vietnamese Embassy in Doha. His statement highlights the momentum that has been building between the two nations, both in terms of trade and diplomatic cooperation.
Qatar and Vietnam Growing Economic and Diplomatic Ties
Ambassador Hiep emphasized the forthcoming exchange of high-ranking delegations, which will be a crucial platform for both nations to further solidify their partnership. “This exchange will serve as a springboard for ministries and agencies from both Qatar and Vietnam to work together on implementing new initiatives, strengthening their commitments, and improving coordination,” said Hiep. The diplomatic engagement underscores a commitment to fostering comprehensive collaboration.
In addition to economic and political exchanges, the Embassy will also focus on cultural ties. Planned events, such as photo exhibitions, are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. These initiatives are aimed at promoting deeper cultural understanding between the two nations, which will help to enhance their bilateral relationship beyond the realms of trade and diplomacy. Moreover, Vietnam will continue to promote Arabic language scholarship programs for Vietnamese students studying in Qatar, furthering educational cooperation between the two countries.
Environmental and Energy Cooperation: A Growing Priority
A key highlight of the Vietnam-Qatar partnership is the shared focus on addressing global environmental challenges. Qatar has made significant strides in combatting climate change on both national and international fronts. As Ambassador Hiep noted, Qatar played a pivotal role in the Climate Change Summit of 2019 and took the lead in launching the Global Dryland Alliance to address the growing threat of desertification. Furthermore, Qatar’s commitment to raising awareness about climate change and desertification will be showcased at Expo 2023 Doha, aligning with the country’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability.
Vietnam, too, has taken note of these efforts and greatly appreciates Qatar’s achievements in clean energy development. According to Ambassador Hiep, Qatar’s use of solar energy and its ongoing clean energy projects provide a model for other nations. He highlighted the importance of Vietnam-Qatar collaboration in the energy sector, particularly focusing on green energy initiatives, as both nations look to transition towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Bilateral Focus: Trade, Investment, and Labor
Beyond environmental issues, Ambassador Hiep outlined several key areas where Vietnam and Qatar are poised to deepen their collaboration. Energy, investment, and labor were identified as priority sectors where bilateral cooperation can flourish. Vietnam, with its growing economy and increasing global footprint, is eager to strengthen its ties with Qatar in these areas.
“My focus will also be on deepening bilateral relations in key sectors such as energy, investment, and labor,” Hiep noted. He also stressed the potential for cooperation in other forward-looking industries like green energy, digital transformation, and the Halal industry.
These sectors hold immense promise for both nations. Vietnam, for example, is keen to expand its Halal product offerings to Qatar, tapping into the growing demand for Halal-certified goods in the region. Additionally, collaboration on electric vehicles is already taking shape through the partnership between VinFast and Qatari company Al Mana Holding, paving the way for further innovation and technological exchange.
A History of Trust and Collaboration
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, Vietnam and Qatar have built a strong foundation of mutual trust and benefit. Both nations have exchanged delegations across various levels and have established mechanisms like political consultations between their respective Foreign Ministries and the Vietnamese-Qatari Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation. These frameworks have allowed both nations to engage in meaningful dialogues and enhance their cooperative efforts.
“Vietnam and Qatar also exchange mutual support at international forums and organizations,” said Ambassador Hiep. This cooperation is further reflected in the steady trade volume between the two nations, which ranges between $400 million to $500 million annually.
Unlocking Untapped Potential in Trade
While the current trade volume is impressive, Ambassador Hiep believes there is still significant untapped potential in the bilateral relationship. “There are many potential areas of cooperation awaiting action from both sides,” he stated, pointing to areas where both nations can benefit.
Vietnam currently exports a wide range of products to Qatar, including machinery, smartphones, seafood, footwear, furniture, and cereals. Meanwhile, Qatar exports products like LNG, ethylene polymers, and unwrought aluminum to Vietnam. Despite this diverse exchange, Hiep stressed that Vietnam could supply more products that Qatar needs, and there is also a growing demand in Vietnam for Qatari petrochemical products.
Vietnam: A Rising Economic Power
Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 40 leading economies and is an important player in global trade, with its volume of trade placing it among the top 20 economies globally. The country is also a key link in 16 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) involving 60 major economies. Vietnam’s strategic location and its robust network of trade agreements make it an ideal partner for Qatar, particularly as both nations seek to expand their trade relations.
Ambassador Hiep expressed confidence that Vietnam’s economic strength and its attractiveness as an investment destination will drive further growth in its relationship with Qatar. “Vietnam is ready and has the full potential to be a significant partner of Qatar,” he said, highlighting the many areas where the two nations can continue to cooperate and thrive.
Conclusion
As Qatar and Vietnam celebrate three decades of diplomatic relations, the two nations are poised to unlock new areas of cooperation, from clean energy and green technologies to cultural exchanges and Halal products. With a growing trade volume and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges, both nations stand to benefit immensely from their strengthened ties. As the upcoming delegation exchanges take place, the future of Vietnam-Qatar relations looks brighter than ever, with new opportunities for growth and collaboration on the horizon.