Mexico City (VNA) – A delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico, led by Ambassador-Designate Nguyen Van Hai, has paid a working visit to Zacatecas state to explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially trade, investment, and education.
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to enhance ties between Vietnam and different regions of Mexico.
During his November 18-19 trip, Hai had meetings and working sessions with Zacatecas Governor David Monreal Ávila, Minister of Economy Rodrigo Castañeda Miranda, and leaders of the Autonomous University of Zacatecas. He highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable progress after nearly 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal), while noting the country's consistent GDP growth of 6–6.5% annually over the past three decades.
In 2023, Vietnam's GDP reached 430 billion USD, ranking 34th globally, according to the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). Projections suggest that by 2038, Vietnam’s GDP could grow to 1.559 trillion USD, placing it among the world’s top 25 economies if current recovery and growth trends continue.
Regarding foreign investment, Hai emphasised Vietnam’s success in attracting investors, thanks to its favorable policies. In the first 10 months of 2024, the couuntry secured 27.3 billion USD in foreign direct investment, up 1.9% from the same period in 2023.
On bilateral relations, he reaffirmed the strengthening ties between Vietnam and Mexico across politics, economics, trade, culture, education, and tourism. He expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral trade, especially as both nations are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
He proposed that Zacatecas authorities explore cooperation mechanisms with Vietnam, including signing technical agreements to facilitate the exchange of competitive goods.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Monreal Ávila described the visit as a significant milestone in fostering friendship between Vietnam and Mexico, particularly between Zacatecas and Vietnam. He committed to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in the state and enhancing the exchange of students as well as people-to-people exchange activities.
Minister of Economy Miranda also praised the visit, stating it underscored Zacatecas’ attractiveness as a hub for international trade and investment. He highlighted Zacatecas’ strategic location in northern and central Mexico, abundant mineral resources, and highly skilled workforce, positioning it as a ideal destination for Vietnamese and global investors.
As part of their trip to Zacatecas, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), where they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Education and Cultural Cooperation, aiming to bolster the long-standing partnership between UAZ and Vietnamese higher education institutions.
Beyond official meetings, the delegation also met with the Vietnamese community in Zacatecas, toured local handicraft establishments, and visited sustainable tourism models in the region./.
