Vietnam and Bhutan share many similarities, including beautiful natural landscapes, Buddhist traditions, a love of peace, and a high regard for a simple lifestyle. The visit comes at a time when bilateral relations are seeing great progress, with both sides aiming to ensure balanced and sustainable development.
A flourishing relationship
Vietnam has recognized Bhutan as a leading nation in pursuing green growth and maintaining a strong Happiness Index. Bhutan considers Vietnam a priority partner and has expressed interest in learning from Vietnam’s development experience.
Leaders of the two countries have regularly exchanged messages of congratulation on important national occasions.
Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said: "In political and diplomatic affairs, the two sides have frequently exchanged delegations at various levels, supported each other, and worked closely together at regional and global forums, especially at the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, and on issues of shared concern."
Efforts are now underway to boost two-way trade, which is about 20,000 USD annually. Vietnam has two investment projects in Bhutan with total registered capital of 937,000 USD.
Spokesperson Hang said: "The two countries are working closely to increase bilateral trade. Vietnam mainly exports wood, machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts to Bhutan."
Potential for stronger cooperation
The two sides agree that there is considerable untapped potential to boost cooperation in agriculture, tourism, culture, education, science, technology, digital transformation, and green growth. Vietnam and Bhutan are considering establishing a consultation mechanism between their Ministries of Foreign Affairs and signing agreements to create a framework for cooperation.
Bhutan encourages Vietnamese enterprises to invest in the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Economic Zone and expand cooperation in tourism, religious exchanges, and cultural activities.
Religious tourism has emerged as a key highlight in bilateral cooperation. Vietnam’s budget carrier Vietjet has organized several charter flights for tourists to Bhutan, and Bhutan Airlines plans to operate direct flights during peak travel seasons.
The two countries are also enhancing cooperation in Buddhism, education, and the exchange of human resources. Bhutan values collaboration with Vietnam in organizing academic and cultural delegations and in strengthening people-to-people exchanges at regional and global forums.
The leaders of Vietnam and Bhutan have expressed confidence in the bright prospects of bilateral relations, based on effective cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, culture, science, and technology.