This is also one of the cooperation activities implemented following the official visit to Vietnam, by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on July 20-21.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Chairwoman of the MVFA Tran Thi Chang emphasised that the locality-to-locality cooperation model or “Twin City Cooperation”, between Ho Chi Minh City and Ipoh City, not only helps promote cultural exchange but also strengthens economic development and diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia. This cooperation will also pave the way for mutual understanding, benefit the people, and build a lasting bond between the peoples of the two countries, Chang noted.
According to Chang, the cooperation model between the two cities will be an important step forward in strengthening Vietnam-Malaysia ties and an opportunity to bridge the gap between the two cultures, thereby, helping foster tourism and economic development.
Chairman of the International Business Committee under the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) Hambali Mukhlas, said the model aims to foster cultural, economic, social and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, including the facilitation of cultural exchanges, educational and academic partnership, regular diplomatic consultations, and people-to-people exchanges for mutual interests.
He noted that the MVFA is urgently working to launch a similar cooperation model named Vietnam House in Malaysia, in 2023. The Vietnam House will play the role of a cultural centre to introduce the history, arts, tourism, cuisine, traditional crafts and performing arts of Vietnam. It will also serve as a diplomatic and trade centre between the two countries.
