Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong hosted an end-of-year exchange with local press and media representatives on December 22.
The event was attended by the President of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), along with representatives of major local news agencies and media outlets, including the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), UNB, Independent Television, ATN News, Bangladesh Post, Dhaka Bangla Channel, Business in Bangladesh, and Aviation Express, among others.
In his speech, Ambassador Cuong highlighted 2025 as a year of key milestones for Vietnam, including the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of southern liberation and national reunification, and the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).
Amid global and regional challenges, Vietnam posted solid gains in 2025, driven by drastic Party and State leadership that delivered major administrative reforms, such as shifting to a two-tier local administration model, reorganisation of cities and provinces, and Government apparatus streamlining.
On the economic front, Vietnam sustained fast, sustainable expansion, with 2025 GDP forecast to rise more than 8% and the economy reaching about 510 billion USD in size, ranking 32nd world-wide. Foreign direct investment continued its upward trend, with 185 billion USD committed over the 2021-2025 period, putting Vietnam among the top 15 emerging markets for FDI inflows. Tourism stood out as a standout sector, drawing over 20 million foreigners in 2025, he said.
Guided by a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, proactive and active global integration and a "four no's" defence policy, Vietnam notched major diplomatic wins in 2025. The country now maintains diplomatic ties with 195 nations and comprehensive partnerships or higher with 40, including comprehensive strategic partnerships with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. It has also signed and enforced 17 free trade agreements with more than 60 partners, reinforcing its push for trade liberalisation, fair competition, and sustainable development.
On bilateral ties, Cuong affirmed that longstanding Vietnam-Bangladesh ties have deepened further. Trade and economic links remain a cornerstone, with two-way turnover topping 1 billion USD in recent years. The two sides are advancing a draft Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), Halal certification mutual recognition and talks on a new air services pact, paving the way for direct flights potentially as soon as 2026
He expressed confidence that bilateral ties would keep thriving, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries' people.
DCAB President AKM Moinuddin expressed his deep respect and special affection for Vietnam and its people. He noted that the two countries share similarities in their histories of national liberation struggles and have remained close friends, supporting each other in national construction and development.
Media representatives praised Vietnam's impressive socio-economic and diplomatic progress in recent years. They expressed their hope for an early direct air link between the capitals and interest in visiting Vietnam to experience its culture and daily life firsthand.
Local outlets reaffirmed strong cooperation with the Vietnamese Embassy and pledged continued coverage of Vietnam stories and key diplomatic events ahead./.
VNA
