By Nawabzada Shah Ali
The history of Pakistan-Vietnam relations may not be long, yet both countries possess ample potential to draw closer in trade, culture, and shared heritage. For years, bilateral engagement remained limited to formal exchanges and modest trade volumes. In 2025, however, a notable shift took place not by chance, but through deliberate diplomatic effort and structured follow-through.
At the forefront of this momentum stands H.E. Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan, whose tenure has been defined by patient yet persistent bridge-building. In March 2025, Hanoi hosted the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting after an eight-year gap, largely due to the ambassador’s consistent outreach. The most consequential outcome was the agreement to begin negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Vietnam offered tariff reductions of 0–5% on more than 80 Pakistani products, while both sides set an ambitious long-term goal to raise bilateral trade from the current $1 billion to $10 billion. This is not merely a target; it marks the beginning of a journey that could reshape the economic dimension of the relationship.
Such progress is the product not only of top-level diplomacy but also of cohesive institutional work within the Vietnamese mission in Islamabad. First Secretary Truong Van Thang who serves concurrently as Secretary to the Ambassador, Head of the Consular Section, and Head of Chancery has played a pivotal role in strengthening operational efficiency. By streamlining consular services, simplifying visa processes, and enabling smoother travel for trade delegations, students, professionals, and tourists, he has laid the groundwork for stronger people-to-people connectivity. Such ties are the true backbone of any sustainable partnership.
On the cultural and academic front, the credit goes to Mr. Pham Hong Quang, Head of the Economic, Cultural and Political Section. His efforts led to a proposed agreement between the Taxila Museum and Vietnam’s national museums, envisioning a joint exhibition titled “Buddhist Art along the Silk Road”. The project will involve expert exchanges, research collaboration, and curated displays that highlight the shared Buddhist heritage of South and Southeast Asia. Beyond academic value, such initiatives can boost cultural tourism and create a more nuanced public understanding of each other’s histories.
The year 2025, therefore, signals a departure from symbolic gestures toward a more results-oriented partnership. Economic negotiations, institutional reforms, and cultural collaborations are becoming the three pillars supporting this renewed relationship.
Yet challenges remain. The leap from $1 billion to $10 billion in trade will demand sustained political commitment, diversified market linkages, and investment in connectivity infrastructure. Both countries will need to navigate regional trade dynamics and explore complementary sectors from textiles and agriculture to technology and tourism where mutual benefit can be realised.
If the current pace is maintained, Pakistan and Vietnam could well transform their bilateral relationship into a robust, multi-dimensional partnership over the coming decade. What 2025 has provided is not just a promising start, but a concrete foundation upon which future cooperation can steadily rise.
