ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): The Vietnamese Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Pham Anh Tuan has expressed optimism about the growth of Vietnam-Pakistan relations in 2025, highlighting the bright potential for further development despite existing challenges. Speaking during a dinner reception hosted by Yasir Khan, Director of Stonebridge Pakistan, the Ambassador noted that economic and trade exchanges between the two countries had seen significant progress in 2024, with bilateral trade surpassing $800 million, a 21% increase from the previous year.
The event, celebrating the Lunar New Year, was attended by several diplomats, including Truong Van Thang, Secretary, and Pham Hong Quang, Second Secretary, from the Vietnamese Embassy and the and their families. He also referenced a key meeting in October 2024 between the two countries’ Prime Ministers in Saudi Arabia which set a goal of over $1 billion in trade.
In his address First Secretary Truong Van Thang explored the two countries religious tourism potential by saying that a lot of work has to be done on the subject to attract the religious tourists of the two countries to each other side which will go a long way in fostering the brotherly and friendly ties between the two states.
He also highlighted religious significance of Taxila by asserting that there must also be erected a prayer place for the visiting tourists to enable them to offer their prayers as per their beliefs. In this regard he also sought the help of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The host, Yasir Khan extended warm greetings to the Vietnamese guests said that Viet Nam has achieved many outstanding accomplishments across all fields: stable Macro- economy; ensured national defense and security as well as social security and welfare; maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for national development; the people’s lives continue to improve; the country’s international stance and prestige has been continuously enhanced.
Sajjad Hussain of Goldmines Organic Farm House encouraged Pakistan’s business community to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam, while Chaudhry Mohammad Waseem , the Executive Member of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized unity and the promotion of Vietnamese culture in Pakistan. Several diplomats and families of the Vietnamese Embassy also attended the event. He assured that he will also take up the demands of the Vietnamese diplomat with the Chamber President to get them fulfilled at the earliest.
Those attended the ceremony included Second Secretary Pham Hong Quang, Administrator Bui Huu Viet, Executive Director World Bank in Pakistan Tran Hong Ky, Lu Shang Miao and the family members of Vietnam Ambassador and diplomats.
The impressive ceremony concluded with the pledge from both the sides that they will leave no stone unturned to contribute in further strengthening and advancing the bilateral relationship of the two countries.
