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| Consulting session on exporting to Iran market organized by Vietnam Trade Promotion and Trade Office in Iran on April 1, 2022 (Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade) |
Held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Iran (August 4, 1973 - August 4, 2023), the talk drew the participation of Vietnamese and Iranian scholars and experts on politics, diplomacy and international relations. At the seminar, the scholars discussed the changes in the regional situation; Iran's role in the Middle East and Vietnam's role in Southeast Asia; achievements of Vietnam - Iran relations in 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and potential areas of cooperation in the future.
According to Dr. Alireza Khodagholipour, Director of the Asia Research Group, Iranian Institute of International and Political Studies, Vietnam - Iran relations have developed well in many fields. The two countries regularly exchange high-level delegations, showing their goodwill to promote the development of friendly relations. Vietnam and Iran have many things in common in terms of culture and history. The two countries play an important role in the region, supporting each other in international forums. He said that Asia and Southeast Asia are among the priorities of Iran's foreign policy. This is an important foundation for the growing Vietnam-Iran relations.
Alireza Khodagholipour suggested that the two countries focus on developing exchanges and cooperation in specific fields such as energy, food and agriculture. In order to promote people-to-people exchanges, the two countries need to strengthen tourism cooperation, and introduce the natural beauty, culture and art of each country to the people of the other country through movies, music and documentary exhibitions.
Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of the Institute for Africa and Middle East Studies, said Vietnam and Iran have an important position on the Asian economic and political belt. Exports of the two countries do not compete, but complement each other. Vietnam mainly exports to Iran agricultural products, seafood, textiles and footwear. Iran mainly exports to Vietnam petroleum products and pharmaceuticals. Vietnam can be a gateway for Iran to increase trade and distribution of goods in Southeast Asia, and Iran can support Vietnam to expand its market in the Middle East.
According to Ms. Kieu Thanh Nga, to promote cooperation, the two countries need to strengthen information exchange in potential fields such as investment, trade, energy and agriculture. Besides, the two countries need to strengthen academic cooperation, research, education, exchange of experts, lecturers and students; and strengthen cooperation between scientists and business people to promote the strengths of each country and access the market of each country./.