Direct flights, trade expansion on the horizon as Vietnam and Kuwait boost ties, explore potential

KUWAIT: Vietnam and Kuwait have successfully concluded the 5th Vietnam-Kuwait Political Consultation, with both sides agreeing to explore the vast potential for deepening multi-faceted cooperation, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang. Areas identified for future collaboration include trade and investment facilitation, renewable energy, digital transformation, agriculture, fisheries, food security and tourism. Discussions are also underway on opening a direct flight route, which the ambassador said could mark a decisive step in boosting engagement between governments, businesses and people of both nations.

Ambassador Thang made the remarks during the celebration of Vietnam’s 80th National Day, adding: “Our relations with Kuwait have flourished across many fields. Leaders of both countries have exchanged visits and maintained close contacts to strengthen bilateral ties and coordinate at international forums. Economically, our cooperation is substantive and growing, with bilateral trade reaching $7.3 billion last year – the highest for Vietnam in the Middle East.”

He highlighted the diversification of trade beyond petroleum, with rising Vietnamese exports of seafood, fresh fruits, textiles, furniture, electronics and machinery. On investment, he pointed to Kuwait’s contribution of about $4 billion to the Nghi Son Refinery joint venture in Vietnam, which he said has yielded notable profits as its operations outperform other plants. Cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges are also expanding, alongside local-level partnerships between Ahmadi Governorate and Ho Chi Minh City, and between Farwaniya Governorate and Thanh Hoa Province.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang giving his speech on the occasion of the national day of Vietnam.

Ambassador Thang further noted Kuwait’s historic role as the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in January 1976, shortly after the country’s reunification. “This was a crucial moment in our history, and Vietnam will always hold special appreciation for Kuwait’s friendship,” he said.

Reflecting on his country’s achievements, the ambassador emphasized that Vietnam has become a model of innovation and development. “Today, our GDP ranks 32nd in the world, sustaining an annual growth rate of 6–7% after the pandemic, with projections above 8% this year,” he stated. He added that Vietnam is now among the top 20 countries in trade volume and foreign direct investment, with total trade exceeding $800 billion and foreign capital surpassing $500 billion. The country has also joined 17 free trade agreements and more than 500 trade deals, while reaffirming its commitment to green growth, climate change response and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Vietnam’s global standing continues to grow, with diplomatic ties established with 194 countries, including 38 comprehensive and strategic partners, and active participation in more than 70 international organizations. The ambassador also underscored Vietnam’s growing role in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions abroad. On the cultural front, he pointed to the rise of Vietnamese tourism, with 19 million visitors recorded in 2024 and an expected 25 million in 2025.

“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of our National Day, Vietnam remains steadfast on the chosen path, embracing an ‘Era of Rising’ and striving for higher development goals,” Ambassador Thang affirmed. “Together with Kuwait, we will continue promoting practical cooperation, strengthening the bridge between Southeast Asia and the Gulf, and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in both regions.”