The Vietnamese embassy in Doha hosted a reception on September 21 to mark Vietnam’s 81st Independence Day, highlighting the growing bilateral ties between Vietnam and Qatar. The event, led by Ambassador Nguyen Huy Hiep, was attended by senior Qatari officials including Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri and Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, director of the Protocol Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside other diplomatic representatives.
Ambassador Nguyen emphasized the close and friendly relations between the two countries, noting that Vietnam and Qatar have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993. Over the past three decades, their relationship has steadily expanded across multiple sectors based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit. Institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Committee and Political Consultations between the foreign ministries have supported ongoing diplomatic and economic engagement.
Nguyen pointed to significant progress following Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Qatar in October 2024, which catalyzed cooperation in economic, trade, investment, and energy fields. Bilateral trade reached approximately $700 million in 2025. Vietnam primarily exported machinery, equipment, iron and steel products, vessels, electronics, and seafood to Qatar, while importing gas, plastics, base metals, and chemicals from Qatar.
Despite this growth, Nguyen acknowledged that current trade volume remains modest given the potential and economic complementarities of the two countries. He highlighted the need to expand market access, diversify traded goods, and boost bilateral trade in upcoming years.
Regarding investment, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports one direct Qatari investment project in its processing and manufacturing sector, valued at $3.23 million. Meanwhile, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has indirectly invested around $500 million in Vietnamese real estate and industrial projects through development banks and investment funds. Nguyen reiterated encouragement for increased Qatari investment, particularly in strategic sectors, and invited Qataris to capitalize on expanding private sector opportunities in Vietnam. He also encouraged Vietnamese businesses to grow their presence in Qatar.
Addressing broader regional issues, Nguyen acknowledged ongoing security challenges and escalating tensions linked to conflicts involving multiple countries. He condemned any use of force that violates international law, United Nations principles, and the sovereignty of states. He stressed Vietnam’s support for dialogue-based conflict resolution, aligning with Qatar’s diplomatic efforts. Nguyen expressed appreciation for Qatar’s role as a mediator striving to de-escalate tensions and promote peace and stability in the region.
Closing the remarks, the ambassador conveyed wishes for continued peace and prosperity for both nations as their bilateral relations deepen over time.