Geographical proximity, along with cultural and historical similarities, has drawn Viet Nam and Malaysia closer together. Centuries ago, the two peoples engaged in trade and exchange. Diplomatic relations were officially established in 1973, marking an important chapter in their bilateral ties.
According to Malaysian Ambassador to Viet Nam Dato' Tan Yang Thai, General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Malaysia in 2024 yielded significant results, most notably including the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new and promising era of cooperation. This is clear testimony to the friendship, mutual trust, and strong cooperation between the two countries.
Over the past 50 years, Viet Nam and Malaysia have attained numerous achievements in cooperation across various fields, with economic cooperation being a highlight. The two countries are currently among each other’s top partners within ASEAN. Bilateral trade has grown steadily over the years, reaching more than 14 billion USD in 2024, up 12% from a year earlier. In addition, Malaysia is an important investor in Viet Nam, with projects spanning education and training, finance, manufacturing, and transport.
Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai emphasised that Malaysian businesses see Viet Nam as a highly promising investment destination. Notable locations attracting Malaysian investors include Hai Phong, with its rapidly developing port system and industrial zones, as well as Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
The potential to further advance bilateral cooperation is substantial, especially given the complementary nature of the two economies, both of which are prioritising green growth, innovation, and digital transformation. Viet Nam holds strengths in agriculture, aquaculture, textiles, and information technology, while Malaysia has solid foundations in electricity, electronics, energy, finance, and the halal industry.
Both countries are also members of ASEAN and signatories to major free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These provide a strong basis for Viet Nam and Malaysia to continue harnessing opportunities for cooperation, deepening their bilateral relations, and achieving even greater success.
Beyond the economy, bilateral cooperation has also yielded positive outcomes in culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Since September 2001, when Viet Nam and Malaysia waived visas for ordinary passport holders and enhanced air connectivity, the number of Malaysian visitors to Viet Nam has risen rapidly.
According to the Malaysian Embassy in Viet Nam, Malaysia welcomed over 300,000 Vietnamese visitors in 2024. Meanwhile, Malaysia has become one of Viet Nam’s major aviation markets. The two sides are discussing a new air services agreement to replace the one first signed in 1978 and last revised in February 2008.
At the multilateral level, Viet Nam, as an active and responsible member of ASEAN, has consistently supported Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 to be a success, the active participation and strong support of member states, especially long-standing partners such as Viet Nam, will be indispensable.
In today’s turbulent world, ASEAN is seeking to serve as a “beacon” of stability and hope. The close bond, mutual trust, enduring friendship, and practical cooperation between Viet Nam and Malaysia are key elements in building a shared environment of peace, stability, and prosperity for ASEAN.
