Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee Bui Thanh Son will visit China from December 8 to 11 to co-chair the 16th Meeting of the Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee in Beijing.

Speaking to The World and Vietnam Report ahead of the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai highlighted the importance of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son's visit, as well as the recent highlights of economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Son's visit comes on the heels of consecutive high-level exchanges between the two Parties and two countries, as both Vietnam and China prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations (January 18, 1950 - January 18, 2025). This visit is of great significance in further pushing forward the effective implementation of high-level agreements, deepening political trust and promoting mutually beneficial friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and China.

At the 16th meeting of the Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee, the two sides will review their comprehensive bilateral cooperation since the 15th meeting.

Guided by the "six more" framework agreed by the top leaders of the two sides and countries, the meeting will explore major directions and concrete measures to enhance the quality of cooperation. This includes resolving challenges, promoting practical cooperation in various fields such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Following General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to China in August, which saw an agreement to boost Vietnamese agricultural imports, what’s new in Vietnam-China agricultural trade?

Economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and China has sustained its strong growth momentum, maintaining stable and sustainable progress while deepening in substance. Vietnam remains China's largest trading partner in ASEAN and its fifth-largest trading partner in the world. Meanwhile, China is Vietnam's largest trading partner, its largest import market, and its second-largest export market.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits a Chinese stall at an expo in early October. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Among these achievements, Vietnam's agricultural exports to China stand out. In January-October 2024, Vietnam's agricultural exports to China reached nearly US$10 billion, an increase of 11.6% year-on-year.

Vietnam exports 14 agricultural commodities to China through official channels, including durian, bird's nest, sweet potato, dragon fruit, longan, rambutan, and mango. Some Vietnamese products, such as durian and dragon fruit, are highly popular with Chinese consumers and account for about one-fifth of China's agricultural imports from ASEAN.

During the state visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to China on August 20-24, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and China's General Administration of Customs signed three agreements to allow Vietnam's fresh coconuts, frozen durians and crocodiles to be imported into China. These agreements have given a significant boost to Vietnamese agricultural products in the Chinese market.

I believe the potential for agricultural cooperation between the two countries remains huge. This is due to geographical proximity, shared borders, China's immense demand for agricultural products, and Vietnam's abundant supply of high-quality agricultural products. Both countries have also signed numerous bilateral trade agreements and are members of multilateral trade agreements.

As we prepare for the Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchange, what activities does the Vietnamese community in China plan for 2025 to further enhance mutual understanding and friendship?

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China (January 18, 1950 - January 18, 2025) and has been designated as the "Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges".

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (left) shakes hands with Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi at an event in early April. Photo: baoquocte.vn

Over the past 75 years, the friendship cultivated by generations of leaders of the two parties, the two countries and their peoples has become a valuable common asset of the two nations. It has contributed to maintaining the stable and positive development of the traditional Vietnam-China relationship, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples.

The decision by the top leaders of both parties and countries to designate 2025 as the "Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges" demonstrates the strategic importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in the broader framework of Vietnam-China relations.

At present, relevant agencies on both sides are closely coordinating the organization of meaningful commemorative activities, including cultural, artistic and people-to-people exchanges.

The Vietnamese community in China is eager and ready to participate in these efforts. They want China and its people to see Vietnam as a beautiful country with a distinctive culture and friendly, welcoming people.

These efforts will help foster mutual understanding, especially among the younger generation, strengthen the social foundation for a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and build a shared future community between Vietnam and China.

Thank you for your time!