Prime Minister urges China to expand imports of Vietnamese agricultural products

Prime Minister Chinh extended warm greetings from General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping and other senior leaders of the Chinese Party and Government during the meeting.

Premier Li Qiang expressed his enthusiasm for Prime Minister Chinh's third consecutive attendance at the World Economic Forum in China, stating that it is a clear indication of Vietnam's high regard and priority for the Vietnam-China relationship.

Premier Li congratulated Vietnam on its recent significant accomplishments and expressed his support for the successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress and Vietnam's development objectives.

The leaders of both countries evaluated the positive developments in bilateral cooperation, highlighting the enhanced political trust that resulted from the frequent exchange of high-level officials, the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms, and the robust growth of trade, investment, and tourism. Local-level collaboration and people-to-people exchanges have become more vibrant, while railway and aviation cooperation has also expanded.

They concurred to the effective implementation of the high-level common understandings and outcomes of previous bilateral meetings, the maintenance of regular exchanges at all levels, the improvement of the quality and efficacy of cooperation across sectors, and the enhancement of coordination in multilateral frameworks. The objective is to maintain peace and stability while simultaneously providing tangible advantages to both populations.

Prime Minister Chinh suggested that both parties should continue to advance the role of security and defense cooperation as a critical component of their bilateral relationships. He advocated for the maintenance of regular operations of intergovernmental working groups on overland infrastructure, monetary issues, and maritime collaboration, as well as for enhanced substantive cooperation in all areas. He also proposed the formation of new working groups in finance, culture, education, training, and people-to-people exchanges.

He encouraged China to prioritize the start of construction of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong standard-gauge railway line in December 2025 as a component of the three standard-gauge railway lines that connect Vietnam and China. In order to establish a modern, synchronized railway industry in Vietnam, he requested China's assistance in the form of concessional financing, technology transfer, human resource training, and mutual cooperation.

Prime Minister Chinh urged China to enhance the connectivity of the electricity grid, accelerate the development of smart border gates, explore the establishment of pilot cross-border economic cooperation zones, and increase the importation of Vietnamese agricultural products in order to promote more sustainable and balanced bilateral trade.

In addition, he suggested that the two countries collaborate on large-scale, symbolic investment projects that are indicative of the strength of their bilateral relationships. He also advocated for increased collaboration in areas such as science and technology, innovation, healthcare, culture, sports, tourism, aviation, local-level partnerships, and, particularly, youth exchanges. He expressed the expectation that both nations would provide mutual support in multilateral forums.

Premier Li Qiang welcomed the proposals and expressed his hope that the two countries would successfully organize the 17th session of the China–Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee and maintain strategic dialogues between the foreign affairs, public security, and defense ministries, advancing comprehensive cooperation under the “six enhancements” approach.

He confirmed China's willingness to accelerate strategic development partnerships with Vietnam and expressed gratitude for Vietnam's upcoming beginning of cross-border railway lines.

He proposed that both sides promptly convene the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Railway Cooperation and fast-track feasibility studies to select the most optimal approach based on scientific, safe, and standardized principles.

Premier Li reiterated China's commitment to promoting the investment of capable Chinese enterprises in Vietnam, particularly in the fields of AI, digital economy, green economy, next-generation 5G, and satellite applications, and to increasing the importation of high-quality Vietnamese products. His commitment also included accelerating public welfare aid initiatives that directly benefit local communities and expanding people-to-people exchanges.

During the talks, the two leaders had a candid and constructive discussion on maritime issues and agreed to better manage and address differences, maintaining peace and stability. Prime Minister Chinh underscored the necessity of thoroughly and seriously implementing the “Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Maritime Issues between Vietnam and China" and the high-level common understanding. Additionally, he urged both parties to collaborate with ASEAN in order to rapidly establish a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea that is in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, and is based on consensus.