The first Vietnam-Malaysia local cooperation model between Ho Chi Minh City and Ipoh city of Malaysia was launched by Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA) at a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur on August 8 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, VNA reported.
Speaking at the event, MVFA President Tran Thi Chang said that the model "Twin City Cooperation" not only helps promote cultural exchange but also enhances economic development and diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia.
She held that this collaboration will also pave the way for mutual understanding and build a lasting bond between the two peoples.
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| At the lauch of first Vietnam-Malaysia local cooperation model between Ho Chi Minh City and Ipoh city of Malaysia. Photo: VNA |
According to Chang, the model will be a milestone in strengthening the ties between the two countries, and at the same time offer an opportunity to narrow the gap between the two cultures, contributing to promoting tourism and economic development.
Hambali Mukhlas, Chairman of the International Business Committee of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and Chairman of the Business Council for the MVFA, highlighted the goals of the model, saying it aims to promote cultural and economic, social, and diplomatic cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia, including facilitating cultural exchange, economic and education cooperation as well as promoting tourism and regular diplomatic consultations.
The cooperation will focus on mutual benefits, promote strong bilateral relations, and boost people-to-people exchanges at the local level, he noted.
The official also said that a similar cooperation model called the Vietnam House in Malaysia is expected to be completed by the end of this year which serves as a cultural hub to showcase the rich history, art, tourism, cuisine, traditional crafts, and art performances of Vietnam in Malaysia.
It will act as a venue to facilitate exchanges between Vietnamese diplomatic officials and representatives of other countries as well as promote trade, investment and economic cooperation through the organization of trade fairs, investment seminars and B2B events to introduce Vietnam's economic potential and attract foreign investors.
According to Chang, the Vietnam House will help popularise Vietnam's culture, heritage, trade and investment opportunities in Malaysia, adding that it enables Malaysians and visitors to experience the rich traditions, arts and cuisine of Vietnam and encourage bilateral business projects.
Last week, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Vietnamese counterpart witnessed the signing of two documents, namely the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.
It was the first Vietnam visit by the Malaysian PM since he took office in December 2022, marking a new milestone and contributing to the advancement of bilateral strategic partnership.
Vietnam was Malaysia's second-largest trade partner in ASEAN last year. Therefore, both countries are well-positioned to further bolster their coordination, especially in the fields of technology, semiconductors, digital economy, green economy, and other areas related to national defense-security.
Malaysia's current strengths in several areas such as electronics, Halal products, palm oil, and particularly energy - all of which are essential for Vietnam's economic development.
Q.Hoa t.h / Vietnamtimes
