Singapore and Vietnam Strengthen Ties During Prime Minister Wong’s Official Visit

HANOI — Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Tuesday, March 25, for a two-day official visit to Vietnam, marking his first trip to the country as prime minister. Invited by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Wong’s visit underscores the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, with both leaders expressing optimism about future cooperation under the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

A Milestone in Bilateral Relations

The visit, which spans March 25-26, comes at a time when Singapore and Vietnam enjoy what Wong described as a relationship at its peak, particularly in economic cooperation. At a dinner hosted by Chinh at the Office of Government on the first evening of the visit, Wong highlighted the regular high-level exchanges between the two countries as a testament to their mutual trust. “I am confident that our ties will continue to grow from strength to strength” he said during a toast speech, reflecting on the historical foundation laid by early exchanges between Singapore’s then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Vietnam’s then General Secretary Do Muoi.

Chinh echoed Wong’s sentiments, describing the visit as a significant milestone in affirming the friendship between the two nations. “Our relationship is built on solid political trust, extensive economic connectivity, and close-knit human links that aim for a shared future of sustainable green and innovative growth towards prosperity” he said. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the CSP, established during a recent visit by Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary To Lam to Singapore, as a roadmap for advancing collaboration in emerging areas such as renewable energy, carbon credits, and the digital economy.

Deepening Economic and Strategic Cooperation

A key focus of the discussions during Wong’s visit is the strengthening of economic ties, exemplified by the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP). With 20 such parks across Vietnam, these initiatives have attracted over US$23 billion in investments—equivalent to approximately S$30.8 billion—and created more than 320,000 jobs. These parks serve as a cornerstone of economic collaboration, fostering industrial growth and innovation in Vietnam while providing Singaporean companies with a foothold in the rapidly growing Vietnamese market.

Beyond industrial cooperation, the two nations are poised to sign several agreements on March 26 to deepen ties in the digital economy, cross-border electricity trade, and sustainable infrastructure. Wong expressed enthusiasm for Vietnam’s support in facilitating Singaporean investments in low-carbon power sectors, aligning with both countries’ commitments to green growth. “We welcome your encouragement for Singapore companies to grow their presence here in Vietnam in sectors like low-carbon power, and we look forward to the Vietnam government’s support for such projects” he said.

The CSP framework also addresses contemporary challenges, including cybersecurity and cross-border scams, reflecting a shared recognition of the need to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. Wong noted that both sides are committed to swift progress in implementing the CSP, with further discussions planned during his meetings with Chinh and other Vietnamese leaders, including President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

People-to-People Connections and Cultural Exchange

In addition to economic and strategic priorities, Wong’s visit highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between Singapore and Vietnam. He pointed to the growing Vietnamese community in Singapore as a source of cultural enrichment, noting their contributions to events like the Chingay Parade, a hallmark of Singapore’s multicultural celebrations. “The growing Vietnamese community in Singapore has also enriched the diversity of our island state” he said, emphasizing the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral bonds.

Singapore has also played a significant role in Vietnam’s human resource development, with over 22,000 Vietnamese officials participating in training programs under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. Many of these officials have attended courses at the Vietnam-Singapore Cooperation Centre in Hanoi, a hub for capacity building and knowledge sharing. This initiative reflects Singapore’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s ambitions for institutional reform and digital transformation, areas championed by Chinh as part of his vision for Vietnam’s “three strategic breakthroughs” in governance, infrastructure, and human capital.

Shared Visions for Regional and Global Impact

The alignment of priorities between Singapore and Vietnam extends beyond bilateral interests to broader regional and global goals. Chinh articulated a vision of combining “an independent, strong, prosperous, and sustainable Vietnam” with “a resilient, dynamic, and innovative Singapore” to build a stronger ASEAN. “Together, we shall build a stronger ASEAN and contribute suitably to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world” he said, underscoring the role of both nations in fostering regional harmony.

This shared commitment is particularly relevant in the context of ASEAN’s evolving role amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Analysts suggest that the Singapore-Vietnam partnership could serve as a model for intra-ASEAN cooperation, particularly in addressing emerging challenges like climate change and digital security. The focus on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, for instance, aligns with ASEAN’s broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality and energy security in the coming decades.

Cultural Highlights and High-Level Engagements

The official visit was not without its cultural highlights. At the dinner hosted by Chinh, guests were treated to performances by renowned Vietnamese soprano Dao To Loan and musician-conductor Dong Quang Vinh of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet. Vinh, known for integrating traditional Vietnamese instruments into his compositions, offered a symbolic blend of heritage and innovation—a fitting metaphor for the evolving relationship between the two nations.

Wong’s itinerary in Hanoi includes a call on To Lam, Vietnam’s top leader, alongside meetings with other senior officials. Accompanied by his spouse, as well as Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng—who also serves as Second Minister for Trade and Industry—Wong’s delegation reflects the multifaceted nature of Singapore’s engagement with Vietnam, spanning political, economic, and social dimensions.

Looking Ahead: A Flourishing Partnership

As Wong’s visit draws to a close, the optimism expressed by both leaders points to a future of even closer collaboration. The agreements expected to be signed on March 26 will likely set the tone for the next phase of the Singapore-Vietnam relationship, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and mutual prosperity. Wong’s commitment to working closely with Chinh and the Vietnamese government signals a shared determination to elevate their partnership to new heights.

For Vietnam, the visit reinforces its position as a key player in ASEAN, capable of forging strategic alliances that balance economic growth with regional stability. For Singapore, it underscores the city-state’s role as a hub of innovation and investment in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a critical partner in realizing these ambitions. As both nations navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the question remains: how will this partnership shape the future of ASEAN and beyond?