Indonesia, Vietnam Forge Tech Mastery in Economic Partnership
Nha Trang, The Gulf Observer: In a significant move towards enhancing bilateral ties, Indonesia and Vietnam have announced plans to fortify their strategic economic partnership, focusing notably on the mastery of cutting-edge technology. The decision was reached following a bilateral meeting between Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Edi Prio Pambudi of Indonesia and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, held in Nha Trang City, Vietnam.
Expressing Indonesia’s longstanding interest in establishing a robust economic alliance with Vietnam, Deputy Minister Pambudi highlighted Vietnam’s burgeoning cutting-edge industries, including electric cars, semiconductors, telecommunications, and digital technology, alongside agricultural and fisheries technology, as areas of particular interest for collaboration.
Pambudi emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships through avenues such as research and development, job exchange programs, training initiatives for digital talents and engineers, as well as facilitating investment opportunities for both nations.
Proposing the formulation of a comprehensive partnership agreement through diplomatic channels, Pambudi expressed optimism for its prompt approval, underscoring its potential to lay the groundwork for strategic and tangible economic cooperation, notably in advanced technology training and development of digital talents.
The collaboration between Indonesia and Vietnam extends beyond traditional platforms such as ASEAN, encompassing forums like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). However, Pambudi stressed the imperative of bolstering economic integration within ASEAN.
Moreover, Pambudi sought Vietnam’s assistance, leveraging its membership in the Great Mekong Sub-region (GMS), a key ASEAN sub-regional cooperation forum, to engage with other GMS partners, thereby fostering broader regional cooperation.
In response, Deputy Minister Nguyen acknowledged the opportune moment for establishing a strategic economic partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam, coinciding with the forthcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The envisioned partnership stands as a testament to the shared commitment of Indonesia and Vietnam towards harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering economic growth, heralding a new chapter in their longstanding bilateral relations.
