(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam and Canada established diplomatic relations on August 21, 1973. For over half a century, the trans-Pacific relationship has continuously prospered. This year, the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter of friendship and solidarity.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau meet on the sideline of the Summit of Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) in Japan in May, 2023. (photo: Duong Giang/ VNA) |
Vietnam and Canada established a comprehensive partnership in November, 2017, which was an important milestone, showing the vision and determination of their leaders to raise bilateral relations to a higher level and further the friendship and extensive, effective cooperation.
Good comprehensive partnership
Since the establishment of the comprehensive partnership, the Vietnam-Canada relationship has expanded in various fields. The two countries have increased the exchange of visits of high-ranking leaders and maintained regular contacts on the sidelines of global and regional forums.
While attending the Summit of Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) in Japan, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on May 20th to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual concern.
The two Prime Ministers affirmed that trade cooperation is a bright spot with bilateral turnover reaching 7 billion USD last year. They agreed to bring bilateral trade turnover to 10 billion USD soon and to strengthen cooperation in dealing with non-traditional security challenges as well as in digital transformation, green transition, the circular economy, and innovation.
Both countries share many similarities in international issues and work closely at multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Vietnam always supports Canada's role as a bridge to the Asia-Pacific and appreciates Canada's contributions to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Canadian leaders have repeatedly affirmed that Canada has long-term interests in the Asia-Pacific region, where Vietnam is Canada's important partner. Canada wishes to promote long-term friendship and cooperation with Vietnam.
 Solar photovoltaic panel production line at Canadian Solar Vietnam Company at VSIP Hai Phong Industrial Park (Photo: Danh Lam/VNA) |
Plentiful opportunities for cooperation
The Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership is a solid foundation for the two countries to further economic relations. Since the comprehensive partnership was established in 2017, bilateral trade has grown strongly.
The room for Vietnamese goods to enter the Canadian market is large. The Canadian government pursues a market diversification strategy and considers Vietnam an important partner in Asia.
In January 2022, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Canadian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding on establishing the Vietnam-Canada Joint Economic Committee. As of July 2023, Canada had invested 253 projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 4.84 billion USD.
Education is a focal area in the bilateral relationship. Canada has identified Vietnam as a priority market for educational cooperation. Currently, about 21,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Canada. Cooperation between localities has also been promoted, for example, between Ha Tinh and Langley of the British Columbia province, Da Nang and Vancouver, and Ho Chi Minh City and Toronto. The Vietnamese community in Canada currently has 250,000 people, who have made significant contributions to the local cultural life and socio-economic development.
Over the past 50 years, the Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership has developed substantively and effectively and has huge potential to grow further in the future. With a long history of friendship and cooperation and the affection shared between the leaders and peoples of the two countries, the Vietnam-Canada bilateral relationship will certainly further progress.