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What is the significance and focus of President Luong Cuong's upcoming state visit to Chile?

Despite the vast distance between our two countries, the leaders and people of Vietnam and Chile have always shared a special and sincere bond. This shared spirit has contributed to the development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Chile over the years.

In this context, President Luong Cuong’s state visit to Chile from November 9 to 12 is not only of practical significance to the comprehensive Vietnam-Chile relationship but also serves to continue, affirm, and strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son received Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren on an official visit to Vietnam from August 25-27, 2024. Photo: Hai Minh

This is the first visit by a Vietnamese President to Chile in 15 years, and this year the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of the meeting between President Ho Chi Minh and Senate President, and later Chilean President Salvador Allende, who visited Vietnam in 1969.

In terms of bilateral cooperation, the visit is expected to broaden and deepen Vietnam-Chile cooperation in many areas, including key areas of mutual interest such as economy, trade, defense, and culture. Through this visit, President Luong Cuong will elevate the bilateral relationship to a new level of cooperation.

How do you assess the achievements of the Vietnam-Chile Free Trade Agreement (VCFTA) after 10 years of implementation? What new breakthroughs do you expect in the economic relations between the two countries within the framework of VCFTA or the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)?

The entry into force of the VCFTA a decade ago has provided a strong impetus to Vietnam-Chile trade relations, contributing to continuous growth in bilateral trade volume in subsequent years. This growth momentum has continued in the first nine months of 2024, with total two-way trade reaching nearly US$1.3 billion, up more than 5% compared to the same period in 2023.

Although the CPTPP only came into effect for Chile in July 2023, it has already received widespread support from both the Chilean government and businesses, creating a favorable environment for attracting foreign investment into Chile.

Within the framework of the VCFTA and CPTPP, there is still significant potential for bilateral trade between the two countries to grow stronger. In addition to increasing two-way trade volume, there are still many opportunities to further utilize the potential of each other's markets, such as reducing tariffs, attracting investment, diversifying the supply of raw materials for domestic industries, and further opening up markets, especially for each country's strong export products.

The VCFTA and CPTPP have been, are, and will continue to be a solid foundation for strengthening trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Chile, in particular, between each country and its respective region in general.

The working delegation prepares for the President's visit. Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Chile

How do you assess Vietnam's position in Chile's policy towards ASEAN and the East Asia-Pacific region, and how does this create advantages in promoting bilateral relations?

Firstly, it can be affirmed that ASEAN and the East Asia-Pacific region, despite their geographic distance from Chile, are partners that Chile pays special attention to. Since establishing the ASEAN-Chile Development Partnership in June 2019, trade between Chile and ASEAN countries has continuously grown, increasing by an average of 5.3% per year. In this context, Vietnam continues to hold a significant position in Chile's foreign policy towards ASEAN and the East Asia-Pacific region.

As a key member of ASEAN and a close, trusted partner in the region, Chile sees Vietnam as a solid "bridge" to help Chile reach out and expand trade relations with other Asian-Pacific countries, thereby accessing other potential markets in the region.

Furthermore, Vietnam's active participation in regional mechanisms has motivated Chile to seek more cooperation opportunities and join regional mechanisms in which Vietnam participates, a prime example being Chile's efforts to complete the procedures for joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Taking on a new assignment, what are your priorities during your tenure?

My priority as the new Ambassador is to continue fostering the strong relationships that my predecessors have cultivated with our Chilean partners. This includes the Chilean government, ministries, agencies, local governments, and the private sector.

I am committed to maintaining strong relationships with individuals who have played a significant role in fostering Vietnam-Chile relations, such as former President Michelle Bachelet, President Patricia Abarzúa of the Chile-Vietnam Friendship Institute, and many other distinguished partners.

Among my priorities for the upcoming term, the establishment of a Vietnamese Defense Attaché Office in Chile in 2024 marks a significant step forward in our defense cooperation. I believe that this is a promising area with ample room for both sides to explore and will contribute significantly to the overall development of Vietnam-Chile bilateral relations.

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