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

On March 25, 2025, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi for a significant two-day official visit to Vietnam, marking his first trip to the country as prime minister. Welcomed by Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, PM Wong, accompanied by his spouse and key cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, embarked on a mission to deepen the already robust bilateral relationship between the two nations. At the heart of this visit lies a shared vision for sustainable growth, innovation, and regional stability under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), established earlier in March during a visit by Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam to Singapore.

A Milestone in Bilateral Relations

The visit, initiated at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, underscores the high level of political trust and economic connectivity between Singapore and Vietnam. During a state dinner hosted by PM Chinh at the Office of Government on the evening of March 25, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their partnership. “I am confident that our ties will continue to grow from strength to strength” PM Wong declared during a toast speech, highlighting the regular exchange of high-level visits as a testament to mutual trust. He traced the evolution of this relationship back to the first exchanges between Singapore’s then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Vietnam’s then General Secretary Do Muoi, noting how far the partnership has come.

PM Chinh echoed this sentiment, describing the visit as a “new milestone” for the CSP and a reaffirmation of 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 stated, emphasizing the combined strength of an independent, prosperous Vietnam and a resilient, dynamic Singapore.

Deepening Economic and Strategic Cooperation

A key focus of the discussions between PM Wong and PM Chinh is the expansion of cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, renewable energy, carbon credits, and subsea cable connectivity. These areas, outlined in the CSP, reflect both countries’ commitment to addressing modern challenges like cybercrimes and scams while fostering sustainable development. On March 26, the two leaders were set to witness the signing of several agreements aimed at formalizing these collaborative efforts, signaling a concrete step forward in implementing the CSP’s ambitious roadmap.

One of the cornerstones of Singapore-Vietnam economic ties is the network of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs). With 20 such parks established across Vietnam, these initiatives have attracted over US$23 billion in investments and created more than 320,000 jobs, serving as a model for mutually beneficial economic engagement. PM Wong expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s encouragement of Singaporean companies to expand their presence in sectors like low-carbon power, while also seeking continued governmental support for such projects. This economic synergy is further complemented by robust people-to-people connections, with growing travel for tourism, work, and education between the two nations.

Human Resource Development and Cultural Exchange

Beyond economics, Singapore has played a notable role in supporting Vietnam’s human resource development, a priority area for PM Chinh’s vision of transformation through institutional reform, digital infrastructure, and skill-building. Over 22,000 Vietnamese officials have participated in training programs under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, many at the Vietnam-Singapore Cooperation Centre in Hanoi. PM Wong highlighted this contribution as an honor for Singapore, aligning with Vietnam’s strategic breakthroughs and Singapore’s own priorities for innovation and sustainability.

Cultural ties also received attention during the visit. PM Wong noted the contributions of the growing Vietnamese community in Singapore, which has enriched the city-state’s diversity. He pointed to their participation in events like the Chingay Parade, a vibrant annual festival, as an example of cultural integration. The state dinner in Hanoi itself featured performances by renowned Vietnamese soprano Dao To Loan and musician-conductor Dong Quang Vinh of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, known for blending traditional Vietnamese instruments into his works, offering a symbolic nod to the melding of traditions between the two nations.

Aligning Visions for a Regional Future

The alignment of strategic priorities between Singapore and Vietnam extends to their shared commitment to a stronger ASEAN and broader regional stability. PM Chinh articulated a vision of contributing to “peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world” through the partnership. This perspective resonates with Singapore’s forward-looking approach, as PM Wong expressed eagerness to work closely with Vietnam to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. The CSP serves as a blueprint for tackling not only bilateral issues but also regional and global challenges, positioning both nations as proactive players in shaping a sustainable future.

During his visit, PM Wong is also scheduled to meet with Vietnam’s top leadership, including Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. These engagements are expected to reinforce the political trust that underpins the partnership, paving the way for more collaborative initiatives. The presence of ministers like Tan See Leng, who also serves as Second Minister for Trade and Industry, underscores the economic weight of the delegation and the importance of trade and industrial cooperation in the discussions.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the visit highlights the strengths of the Singapore-Vietnam relationship, it also brings into focus the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing global landscape. The emphasis on digital economy cooperation, for instance, comes at a time when both nations face increasing threats from cybercrimes and online scams, necessitating robust frameworks for cross-border collaboration. Similarly, the push for sustainable infrastructure and low-carbon energy solutions reflects the urgent need to address climate change, a shared concern for ASEAN countries vulnerable to environmental shifts.

Analysts suggest that the agreements expected to be signed on March 26 could serve as a litmus test for the CSP’s implementation. If successful, these pacts could set a precedent for other regional partnerships, demonstrating how smaller, dynamic economies can work together to achieve outsized impact. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on sustained political will and the ability to translate high-level commitments into tangible outcomes on the ground.

A Partnership with Global Implications

The visit of PM Wong to Hanoi is more than a bilateral engagement; it is a statement of intent for Singapore and Vietnam to lead by example in fostering innovation-driven, sustainable growth within ASEAN. The CSP, with its focus on emerging sectors like renewable energy and digital connectivity, positions the two countries at the forefront of regional efforts to adapt to 21st-century challenges. Moreover, their collaboration in areas like human resource development and cultural exchange underscores the importance of soft power in building enduring ties.

As PM Wong noted in his toast speech, the foundations for this relationship are firm, built on decades of trust and mutual respect. Yet, the path forward is not without its complexities. Balancing economic ambitions with environmental responsibilities, ensuring equitable benefits from industrial projects like the VSIPs, and safeguarding digital spaces from emerging threats will require ongoing dialogue and adaptability. Both leaders appear committed to this journey, with PM Chinh’s vision of a “shared future” resonating with PM Wong’s call to take bilateral ties to “new heights.”

As the agreements are finalized and discussions continue, the outcomes of this visit will likely reverberate beyond Hanoi and Singapore, offering a glimpse into how strategic partnerships can shape the future of Southeast Asia. For now, the optimism expressed by both leaders suggests a promising trajectory, one that could inspire deeper collaboration across the region in the years to come.