The talks between the Vietnamese and Malaysian PMs in Hanoi on July 20 - Photo: VNA

The two sides will work to raise bilateral trade to 18 billion USD by 2025 in a balanced manner; minimise the use of trade barriers; facilitate the export and import of the commodities that they have potential and strength for such as agricultural and aquatic products, food, electronic components and construction materials; grasp opportunities from regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); expand connections in the fields of digital economy, circular economy, green economy, and sharing economy.

Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim pose for a photo before their talks in Hanoi on July 20

The leaders also agreed to reinforce partnerships in defence and security and promote the signing of related documents; discuss the enhancement of cooperation in the defence industry and training; establish a cooperation mechanism between the naval, air, and coast guard forces of the two countries; work together to fight terrorism and transnational crimes; and boost coordination to combat terrorist and reactionary organisations.

The PMs also underlined the importance of maritime cooperation, and that their countries will consider the establishment of a consultative mechanism on sea-related issues and hotlines against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

PM Chinh called on Malaysia to support Vietnam’s efforts to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning against seafood lifted.

At the talks, the Government leaders concurred to continue the promotion of cooperation in other aspects like aviation and tourism cooperation, education - training, labour, agriculture, culture, and sports.

Discussing multilateral and regional cooperation, the PMs highly valued their countries’ coordination at and mutual support for each other’s candidacy for membership of international organisations. They agreed that the two sides will coordinate with other ASEAN members to ensure the bloc’s solidarity and unity and jointly propose suitable initiatives to help carry out ASEAN’s priorities for 2023.

The Vietnamese leader also pledged support for Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

On this occasion, PM Anwar invited his Vietnamese counterpart to pay an official visit to Malaysia.

Following the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of two documents, namely the minutes of the 7th meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.