Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh was speaking to media agencies in Beijing ahead of Chinh’s engagement at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum and his working visit to China from June 24–27.

Binh said in the context of a complex and unpredictable global political and economic landscape, this year's WEF Tianjin Meeting is a major and important event, which will be attended by leaders of many countries, along with over 100 ministerial-level officials and more than 1,700 delegates from businesses, international organisations, and academia around the world.

Themed Entrepreneurship for a New Era, the agenda will focus on key issues such as global economic trends, China’s economic outlook, industrial transformation, smart manufacturing, investment in people and the planet, and the transition to new energy and materials.

The fact that the Prime Minister of Vietnam has been invited for three consecutive years to attend and speak at this significant event reflects the WEF’s and the international business community’s high regard for Vietnam’s position, role, and contributions to global and regional economic growth, said the ambassador.

As a special guest, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the WEF’s opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech at a key session titled “Is Asia’s Century at Risk?” He will also conduct bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, WEF executives, and global business leaders.

During his engagements, the Prime Minister will present Vietnam’s assessments of global economic challenges and opportunities, share its development experience, and propose initiatives for regional cooperation. He will reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable growth and highlight the country’s strategic vision, investment potential, and dynamism as a rising market economy.

He will also outline the Government’s continued efforts to improve the business climate, emphasising reforms across institutions, infrastructure, finance, and human resources. Key investment sectors will be highlighted, including artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology, clean energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

By attending the meeting, Binh stated, Vietnam affirms its position, role, and responsibility toward peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world. It actively contributes to discussions seeking solutions to regional and global economic and development issues; gains insights into emerging global economic issues and trends; and shares the country’s perspectives, vision, and development experiences, especially as it is implementing four strategic Party resolutions for a transformative phase, marking a new era of national development and advancement.

Through meetings with global and regional stakeholders, Vietnam will further promote its image, policy priorities, and development direction. These interactions foster new cooperation opportunities, especially in trade diversification and investment attraction, as Vietnam adapts to evolving global economic conditions.

On the sidelines of the WEF, Prime Minister Chinh’s working visit to China also holds significant importance. This is the first official visit by a high-level Vietnamese leader to China in 2025, following the successful state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in April. It coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the launch of the Year of Vietnam–China Humanistic Exchange.

According to the ambassador, economic and trade relations between the two countries have continued to strengthen, becoming more practical and in-depth. Vietnam is China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and its fourth-largest globally. For Vietnam, China is the largest trading partner, biggest source of imports, second largest export market, and now the third largest foreign investor.

Amid global economic uncertainties and shifting dynamics, it is essential that both countries continue expanding and enhancing the effectiveness and quality of their practical cooperation to bring about tangible outcomes.

To do this, he said, both sides must effectively implement their top leaders’ common perceptions, particularly regarding substantive cooperation across sectors. This includes strengthening the material foundation of bilateral relations, promoting trade and investment, expanding the import of high-quality Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural products, and accelerating the implementation of major, symbolic projects. Among them, priority should be given to the development of three strategic standard-gauge railway lines connecting the two countries, namely Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong, Lang Son - Hanoi, and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong. These projects are vital to infrastructure connectivity and long-term strategic cooperation.

In addition, Chinese enterprises should be encouraged to expand investment in areas where China’s strengths align with Vietnam’s development needs, such as science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, green growth, and clean energy. The two economies are highly complementary. Vietnam offers a young, dynamic workforce, a growing market, and strategic positioning in shifting global supply chains, while China contributes capital, technology, and the capabilities of large-scale enterprises.

Both countries should also capitalise on regional free trade agreements, especially the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) to promote balanced, sustainable trade growth. Strategic connectivity should be enhanced through intermodal rail networks, improved infrastructure and logistics, and greater use of retail, e-commerce, and distribution channels. Advancing the development of smart border gates and specialised cargo transport routes at key crossings is also critical.

The Ambassador expressed his confidence that this visit would further deepen the shared strategic vision of both countries’ top leaders, strengthen bilateral relations, and position Vietnam more prominently in regional and global cooperation frameworks. It is also expected to open up new and practical avenues for sustainable development and prosperity in the years ahead.

PM Chinh to attend WEF meeting, make working visit to China

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to attend the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin and pay a working trip to China from June 24-27.