SINGAPORE/HANOI – Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will embark on a two-day official visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, starting tomorrow, March 25, to meet with the country’s top leadership and build upon the recently elevated bilateral relationship. The visit, made at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, is expected to further deepen cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, cross-border electricity trade, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The trip comes shortly after both nations upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) on March 12, during a visit by Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary To Lam to Singapore. The CSP reflects a growing alignment between Singapore and Vietnam in strategic sectors such as defense, security, combating transnational crime, and humanitarian assistance.
Key Meetings and Exchange of Agreements
PM Wong is expected to engage in high-level talks with Vietnam’s top leaders, including President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The leaders are set to witness the exchange of multiple agreements covering various fields of cooperation, including:
- Technology and Digital Economy: Strengthening joint initiatives in fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on fostering innovation and digital trade.
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability: Enhancing collaboration in cross-border electricity trade, green financing, and low-carbon infrastructure projects.
- Economic and Trade Partnerships: Expanding investment ties, especially in manufacturing, logistics, and smart city development.
With Vietnam being one of Singapore’s top trading partners in ASEAN, the discussions are expected to boost economic collaboration further. Singapore is currently the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with cumulative investments exceeding US$73 billion across multiple sectors.
A Stronger ASEAN Partnership
Both nations play a pivotal role in ASEAN’s economic and security landscape. Singapore and Vietnam have increasingly aligned their positions on regional trade, supply chain resilience, and maritime security in the South China Sea. Their deepening cooperation is seen as a stabilizing force amid global uncertainties and geopolitical shifts.
The visit also highlights Singapore’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s green transition, with both sides aiming to advance sustainable urban development, smart city planning, and clean energy projects.
PM Wong’s Delegation and Future Outlook
Accompanying PM Wong will be Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Manpower Minister and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, and Minister of State for Health and Digital Development Rahayu Mahzam, along with other senior officials. Their presence underscores the multi-faceted nature of Singapore-Vietnam cooperation.
As Singapore and Vietnam deepen their partnership, the visit sets the stage for stronger economic, strategic, and people-to-people ties, reinforcing the long-term commitment between both nations in navigating regional and global challenges together. (zai)