Ho Chi Minh City Aims to Strengthen Ties with ASEAN Neighbors

Ho Chi Minh City is actively seeking to strengthen cooperation with its neighboring countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). On July 28, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Tran Luu Quang held separate meetings with Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya, newly appointed Cambodian Consul General Luon Bunvadh, and newly appointed Consul General of the Philippines Querobine Deapera Laccay. These meetings underscore the significant role provincial governments play in international relations under Vietnam's one-party system. The discussions primarily focused on deepening practical cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere. Ho Chi Minh City aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism with these nations. This initiative aligns with Vietnam's broader economic growth strategy, which emphasizes strengthening the international competitiveness of its manufacturing and service sectors, making ties with neighboring countries crucial. Furthermore, the promotion of cultural and people-to-people exchanges was also discussed, with expectations that these efforts will contribute to regional stability and development. Vietnam's strategy involves diversifying its relationships with ASEAN countries while mitigating over-reliance on China's economy to support its economic growth. Ho Chi Minh City's proactive diplomatic engagement represents a concrete step in advancing this strategy.