Vietnam and Brunei hope to make bilateral relations more balanced and diverse, heard a meeting between Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on February 11.

The meeting between Vietnamese delegates led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Bruneian officials led by Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on February 11. Photo: The Vietnam News Agency

The two leaders agreed that the two nations would focus on exploring several economic fields, aiming at aquaculture, digital economy, circular economy, and climate change responses.

Prime Minister Chinh proposed the Bruneian Government enables Vietnamese exports to enter the local market, particularly agricultural and aquatic Halal produce. Regarding Halal produce, Vietnam can sell raw materials to Bruneian producers.

He also suggested the two nations further develop mutual cooperation in energy and chemical production, in which Bruneian authorities may facilitate the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam or PVN) to provide technical services for offshore oil drilling in the waters of Brunei and extend the right of buying oil outputs for Vietnamese importers in years to come.

The Vietnamese government leader also welcomed enterprises from Brunei to invest in Vietnam to make the two self-reliant, independent, internationally integrated, and efficient economies.

Vietnam and Brunei will enhance exchanges of senior government and state officials and effectively execute key bilateral agreements such as the Action Plan for the Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Strategic Partnership 2023-2027, the two officials said.

Sultan Hassanal and PM Chinh hailed the efforts of the two nations to boost bilateral trade relations. In 2022, two-way trade turnovers gained 134% on-year to US$725.8 million.

PM Chinh said that Vietnam always considered the development of its strategic partnership with Brunei as one of the key targets. He also congratulated Brunei for the country’s socio-economic development achievements, hoping the nation will soon become a sustainable, dynamic economy.

On his part, Bruneian Sultan Hassanal said that the official visit of PM Chinh to the country would boost their bilateral relations in all fields.

He also praised Vietnam for putting the Covid-19 pandemic under control and recording strong economic performances. Brunei hopes to advance its relationship with Vietnam, especially in economic development, trade and investment, education, and agriculture.

PM Chinh and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal consented to tighten their cooperation in the regional and global communities and work to promote the leading role of ASEAN to the world.

The two officials also affirmed the importance of peace, security, safety, and freedom on the South China Sea, and urged other nations to join on behalf of ASEAN to advance negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the Sea.

At the meeting, Chinh and Sultan Hassanal saw representatives of the two nations ink the Action Plan for the Vietnam-Brunei Darussalam Strategic Partnership 2023-2027 and the visa-free agreement for those having diplomatic and official passports.

Meeting with business community

PM Chinh, on February 11, also committed to improving the business environment in Vietnam for Bruneian investors and enterprises.

He well-received constructive ideas from Bruneian enterprises to boost the relationship between the two nations in the future.

“Your successes are ours too,” he said at a meeting with Bruneian companies in the oil and energy industry.

Amid global uncertainties, PM Chinh urged Bruneian and Vietnamese enterprises to explore their full potential, make the best use of comparative advantages, and capture every opportunity in the market.

“Vietnam pledges to facilitate companies with the best environment upon the political and social stability. The Government also promises to resolve the bottlenecks in regulations, improve the supply chain and infrastructure, reduce costs for companies, and develop a consistent, favorable, and transparent legal framework,” he said.

He believed that trade and economic activities would remain key factors in the Vietnam-Brunei relations and that these activities would heighten the two nations’ relationship in the future.