Malaysian newspaper reported on the official visit to Vietnam
by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob.
According to the New Straits Times, this is the first official visit to Vietnam by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, taking place from March 20-22.
The three-day official visit reflects the importance of Vietnam-Malaysia relations as neighbors and close partners in ASEAN.
In particular, the visit comes when the two countries are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
Deputy Secretary General of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amran Mohamed Zin highlighted the topic of economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic in various areas, including trade, investment and tourism, as well as the recognition of certificates of vaccination between Malaysia and Vietnam, which will be one of the focuses of the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit.
According to Mr. Amran Mohamed Zin, Vietnamese authorities have announced that they have recognized Malaysia's vaccination certificate. Malaysia welcomes this decision as it is one of the aspects of cooperation it wants to have in ASEAN and also with its strategic partners in the Association.
Mr. Amran Mohamed Zin said that Malaysia is still actively considering the recognition of Vietnam's vaccination certificates and revealed that maybe during the visit, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob will have the latest announcement on the recognition. The recognition is in line with the reopening of Malaysia's borders on April 1.
"We will also consider the procedures that need to be established between the two countries to facilitate travel between Malaysia and Vietnam for all audiences, including tourists, business people and students," Mr. Amran Mohamed Zin announced in a press conference.
He also informed that Vietnam had just opened its borders on March 15 and said that the visit will create an opportunity for the two countries to discuss post-pandemic issues.
In 2019, the number of tourists from Malaysia to Vietnam was quite high, reaching more than 600,000 arrivals, while the number of tourists from Vietnam to Malaysia was more than 400,000.
Trade cooperation between the two countries in 2021 reached about 16 billion USD. During the joint committee meeting between Malaysia and Vietnam last year, the two countries reached a preliminary agreement towards the target of a trade value of 18 billion USD by 2025.
"Of course, this issue will be discussed by the two leaders during the visit and we will come up with a target number in the top-level discussion," Amran Mohamed Zin said.
Regarding investment, Malaysian investors currently have a large presence in Vietnam. According to the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, the value of Malaysia's investment in Vietnam in 2021 is 12.81 billion USD, making this partner the 8th largest investor, while the investment value of Vietnam in Malaysia is still at a level that needs to be improved.
Malaysia is currently the 9th largest trading partner of Vietnam and vice versa, Vietnam is the 19th largest trading partner of Malaysia globally.
"The Prime Minister will most likely invite Vietnamese investors to Malaysia to balance the value of bilateral investment because Malaysia has a lot of investment opportunities," added Mr. Amran Mohamed Zin./.