TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vietnam marked its National Day with a reception in Taipei on Friday, highlighting its deepening links with Taiwan.
The celebration commemorated Sept. 2, 1945, when former President Ho Chi Minh declared the country’s independence. Guests at the event were treated to Vietnamese cuisine, performances of the national anthem, and traditional music, while many Vietnamese attendees wore ao dai, the country’s iconic traditional dress, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Phan Kieu Chung, director of the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, used the occasion to reflect on the progress of bilateral cooperation over the past year. He said that in the first half of the year, Taiwanese direct investment in Vietnam totaled NT$22.5 billion (US$725.8 million), contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
Phan pointed out that tourism has become another bright spot in the relationship, with 630,000 Taiwanese visitors traveling to Vietnam in the first six months of this year, making Taiwan Vietnam’s third-largest international tourist market.
Phan stressed that ties now extend well beyond economics. He cited expanding collaboration in science and technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, and workforce development, while describing people-to-people exchanges as a defining feature of the partnership.
Looking ahead, he emphasized Vietnam’s priorities of industrialization, modernization, and digital transformation, noting that semiconductors — one of Taiwan’s strongest industries — have been identified as a strategic sector in Vietnam’s long-term development strategy.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Li-Kuo (陳立國) praised Chung’s efforts since taking office in April. Chen said Chung had promoted cooperation and strengthened engagement with both government agencies and the private sector.
“Moving ahead, we look forward to working with Director Chung and the VECO team to further deepen the substantive relations between our countries,” he said.
Chen described Vietnam as an important neighbor of Taiwan and recalled how relations have steadily expanded since the establishment of representative offices and aviation links in 1992. He noted that Taiwan is now Vietnam’s fifth-largest trading partner and fourth-largest source of accumulated foreign direct investment, while also serving as a major destination for Vietnamese migrant workers.
He also highlighted tourism as a growing dimension of the relationship, pointing out that since Vietnam introduced its e-visa system for Taiwanese travelers in August 2023, Taiwan has become the country’s third-largest source of visitors.
Looking to the future, Chen said Taiwan hopes to deepen ties through its strengths in semiconductors, ICT, smart solutions, and artificial intelligence. He identified opportunities in overseas smart technology parks, talent cultivation, and cooperation in emerging industries. He concluded by emphasizing that Taiwan and Vietnam both play key roles in advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
