Singapore and Vietnam look to upgrade their relations

Singapore and Vietnam explore greater air connectivity as the two ASEAN member states look to bolster their relationship.

It appears Singaporean and Vietnamese carriers could soon ferry passengers and deliver goods to other destinations with more ease, by continuing on after transiting in either country.

This is one of the key areas of collaboration that Singapore wishes to embark on as it explores strengthening ties with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday as he wrapped up his trip to Hanoi, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted air services agreements as one of the key areas to explore.

“We need to find a substantive package so that when we go to a comprehensive strategic partnership, there’s meaning in that new term,” he added.

‘2023’ marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It’s also the tenth anniversary of the Singapore-Vietnam strategic partnership.

Industrial Parks Attracting Staggering Investments

An upgraded partnership between both is expected to expand aspects of cooperation in key areas of trade, defence and education.

Singapore and Vietnam already enjoy enhanced bilateral relations in various areas of cooperation, including in the form of the prominent Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks.

With the latest addition of four new industrial parks announced Tuesday, there are 17 such parks now, amid ten more being proposed.

These Singapore-invested parks in Vietnam have already attracted over $18 billion in investments and created around 300,000 jobs. They offer manufacturers smart energy solutions.

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Stronger Education Ties On The Cards

The two countries are also exploring ways to foster closer education collaboration between their teachers and students, with an agreement signed to enhance exchanges.

During his visit to Hanoi, PM Lee joined his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh to hold discussions with youth leaders from both countries during an exchange programme.

The initiative aims to promote greater appreciation for each other’s national policies through visits and dialogue sessions.

Nguyen Tien Minh Hoang from Vietnam highlighted the “many opportunities for the youth” of the two Southeast Asian countries.

“[It’s] because we both share the same love, the same thirst for knowledge and exchange,” said the student at Ho Chi Minh University of Technology.