Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Qatar HE Nguyen Huy Hiep has praised the strong bilateral relations between Qatar and Vietnam, which have grown significantly over the past 30 years. Speaking at his first media briefing since presenting his credentials two months ago, Ambassador Hiep highlighted collaboration in areas such as diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, and education, as well as the close ties between Qatar and ASEAN member states.
Before assuming his role in Qatar, Ambassador Hiep spent 18 years serving in the office of Vietnam’s President. He underscored the importance of high-level exchanges, including the Vietnamese-Qatari Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation, and the mutual support both countries provide at international forums, all of which have strengthened bilateral relations. He pointed to a number of agreements signed between Vietnam and Qatar that have established a legal framework for further collaboration.
Ambassador Hiep emphasised Vietnam’s status as one of the top 40 leading economies globally and a key player in international trade, making it a natural partner for Qatar. In 2023, two-way trade between the countries reached QR2.8 billion, with Vietnam exporting QR1.9 billion worth of goods to Qatar. Major exports from Vietnam include machinery, smartphones, seafood, and rubber, while Qatar exports LNG, polymers, and aluminum to Vietnam. PetroVietnam and its subsidiaries also participate in energy services and LNG contracts with Qatari companies.
The ambassador noted that while current trade and investment figures are promising, there is much potential for growth. Vietnam seeks to import more petrochemical products from Qatar, and in return, Vietnam can supply a wider range of goods that Qatar needs. He highlighted Qatar Airways’ successful direct links to Vietnam and noted significant investments by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in the Vietnamese market.
Ambassador Hiep aims to strengthen ties in various sectors, including politics, economics, labour, tourism, green energy, digital transformation, and the Halal industry. He also plans to foster closer cultural ties through education projects, film screenings, food festivals, and art performances. Furthermore, he revealed that high-ranking delegations from both countries are expected to exchange visits in the coming months, marking a new momentum in bilateral relations.