Hanoi (VNA) – Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam James Nickel has expressed his delight at the progress in relations between the two countries, including in the health sector, in line with their Comprehensive Partnership.
Speaking at a working session with Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan in Hanoi on March 13, the diplomat said that he would do his utmost to deepen bilateral ties, particularly in healthcare, ensuring the cooperation becomes more aligned with the needs and interests of both nations.
Welcoming the ambassador, Thuan, who is also Chairman of the National Medical Council and President of the Vietnam – Canada Friendship Association, expressed his belief that Ambassador Nickel would have a successful and memorable tenure. He stressed that the meeting marked a positive start for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector in the time ahead.
Representatives of the Vietnam Food Administration, the Drug Administration of Vietnam, the Department of Maternal and Child Health, the International Cooperation Department, and the Vietnam – Canada Friendship Association briefed participants on cooperation outcomes in areas directly related to both countries.
Among them is the project “Health System Resiliency for Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” in the northwestern province of Son La, funded by the Government of Canada through the HealthBridge Programme. Implemented from August 2021 to September 2025, the project has benefited 2,600 adolescents, 2,500 residents, 40 health workers, and 40 teachers. It aims to improve reproductive health and gender equality, reduce child marriage in ethnic minority communities through communication and education activities, enhance the empowerment of women and girls, and expand access to quality reproductive health services.
The two sides also discussed the development of the pharmaceutical market, including chemicals, cosmetics, and vaccines produced in Canada that have been granted circulation registration in Vietnam, as well as feedback from the Canadian Embassy on amendments to Government Decree No. 46/ND-CP guiding the implementation of the Law on Food Safety.
The Deputy Minister welcomed the Canadian Embassy’s update on the project “Health System Resiliency for Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights” for the 2026–2029 period, recently approved by the Provincial People’s Committee.
He added that the Ministry of Health is implementing Politburo Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on breakthrough measures to enhance public healthcare, alongside Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW and the Government’s Resolution No. 153/NQ-CP on international integration and expanded cooperation in science, technology, training, medical services, and pharmaceutical development.
Thuan expressed his hope that during his tenure, Ambassador Nickel would promote cooperation between the health ministries and work closely with Canadian partners to implement priority areas, contributing to stronger ties between the two nations.
Vietnam and Canada set up diplomatic relations on August 21, 1973. The relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Partnership on the occasion of an official visit to Vietnam by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November 2017. Since then, bilateral ties have deepened in various fields.
Trade cooperation is the highlight in bilateral relations with two-way trade surpassing 8.5 billion USD in 2025. The two sides aim to increase the bilateral trade to 10 billion USD in the near future. In addition to economic partnership, the two countries are also enjoying sound cooperation in culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges./.
