S'pore-Vietnam ties benefit from complementary strengths: To Lam

Vietnamese leader says his country is keen to tap Republic's expertise in science, tech

- Arvind Jayaram

Vietnam is keen to tap Singapore's expertise in science, technology and innovation to achieve two major centenary goals set by its ruling Communist Party, General Secretary To Lam said on March 12.

"As globalisation and economic integration continue to broaden and deepen, scientific and technological cooperation remains a linchpin and foundation of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore," Mr Lam said in a policy speech at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The first of these centenary goals—which were decided during the Communist Party of Vietnam's 13th National Party Congress in 2021—aims to establish Vietnam as a developing country with modern industry and an upper-middle income level by 2030, when the party would mark the 100th anniversary of its foundation.

The second goal is for Vietnam to become a developed country with high income by 2045, when the Democratic Republic of Vietnam will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding.

"Our two nations have many similarities and complementary strengths," observed Mr Lam.

He said that while Singapore boasts advanced technologies, high-level managerial expertise and abundant capital, Vietnam has a large workforce, a substantial market and immense growth potential.

"Together, these form a solid foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation," Mr Lam said.