Vietnam Is Active in the Process of Integration

 

Like other State visits by Vietnamese leaders to foreign countries, our general message has been to strengthen bilateral relations on the basis of mutual understanding and respect, and to promote economic and trade cooperation.

 

In mid-June, at the invitation of US President George W. Bush, I made an official visit to the United States. It was an important visit, promoting Vietnam-US relations in the interests of the two peoples, and developing a broad and stable foundation for continued multi-faceted bilateral cooperation. During the visit, I had several meetings with overseas Vietnamese in the US, keeping them informed of new developments at home and promoting their attachments to the homeland.

 

It is important to bring the bilateral relations to a new height. Regardless of the rise and fall in the past, it is now necessary and important for Vietnam to look to a better future. Vietnam is active in the process of integration. The all-sided good relationship with the United States is a message to the international community: Vietnam wishes to make friends with all other nations for common development.

 

In economic field, the visit created strong impetus for bilateral relations. A framework agreement on trade and investment has been signed serving as a landmark in the Vietnam-US relationship. The agreement is a continuation of the Vietnam-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA) signed in 2000 and the initial step toward a free trade agreement.

 

Also during the visit, businesses of the two countries signed agreements worth over US$11 billion and with increasing bilateral economic cooperation they will have favourable conditions to develop further. A clear message has been sent to American businesses: Vietnam is truly a reliable investment environment with attractive policies and programmes, and Vietnam is fully committed to economic development.

 

The same is true of the visit to Japan in November. It gave a strong boost to the comprehensive cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Japan, meeting the wishes of the two peoples for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and throughout the world.

 

Vietnam and Japan share a traditional relationship flourishing ever since September 21, 1973 when the two countries established official diplomatic relations. Bilateral relations have developed in various fields and entered a new stage of quality and depth. Political, economic and cultural relations are increasingly expanded with greater mutual understanding.

 

Vietnam highly values the relationship with Japan. With determination, and the good leadership of the two countries similar in culture, history and long-term interests, the relationship will develop into a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.

 

Currently, Japan is the largest partner of Vietnam in economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation, as well as in ODA. Japanese ODA plays an important role in infrastructure development, poverty reduction and education in Vietnam. Japan is the second biggest economy in the world, while Vietnam has the highest growth rate in South East Asia.

 

The visit to Japan this time opened up a new period of development and cooperation between the two countries. This is demonstrated most vividly in the Joint Statement “The Deepening Vietnam-Japan relationship.” The two countries have also approved the cooperation programme “Towards Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership” with 44 points, indicating the firm resolve of the government and people of the two countries to promote close and efficient cooperation in political, economic, cultural, science and technology fields, and exchanges and cooperation in regional and international forums.

 

It is a most significant and important milestone in the process of Vietnamese international integration. It confirms the correctness of the Party and State’s policy on independent and sovereign diplomacy, diversification and multilateralism of international relations. It also shows the appreciation of other countries for Vietnam’s contribution to the settlement of international issues.

 

This is the result of 20 years of renovation, and is an opportunity to improve the position and image of peace-loving Vietnam, contributing to the common struggle for peace, democracy and social progress. With the new status, Vietnamese people contribute more proudly and actively to renovation, building Vietnam into a more attractive and safe business and investment environment in the region and the world.

 

I believe that Vietnam will successfully perform its function in the UN Security Council.

 

“Knowing oneself, knowing your partner, success is certain.” The Party, State and people place their confidence in the efforts of the business community. Your experience in the past years, especially in 2007, has confirmed the determination and capacity for integration.

 

On the occasion of the traditional Tet, on behalf of the Party, State and people, I wish Vietnamese businesses and businesspeople a New Year of good health, success and prosperity.