Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, energy and investment as both countries seek stronger economic ties. Senior officials from the two nations held their third political consultation in Hanoi on Tuesday to review progress and discuss new areas of cooperation.
Nguyen Minh Hang, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Omran Sharaf, the UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, co-chaired the meeting. They agreed to build on existing agreements and find practical ways to expand cooperation in response to global changes and economic uncertainty.
Both sides said stronger ties could help improve their economic resilience, diversify international partnerships and support long-term development. They also stressed the need to turn existing commitments into practical results for businesses and communities in both countries.
The officials welcomed progress since their previous political consultation in February 2023. A major milestone came in October 2024, when Vietnam and the UAE upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.
Their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA, also took effect in February 2026. The agreement aims to support trade and create more opportunities for businesses in both markets.
The UAE remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and Africa. Bilateral trade reached $6.5 billion in 2025, showing the importance of the Gulf country to Vietnam’s efforts to expand its international trade network.
Hang congratulated the UAE on its progress in implementing its National Vision 2031. She also expressed sympathy over the challenges facing the country amid ongoing regional conflicts and said she hoped the UAE and other countries in the region would overcome current difficulties and continue to prosper.
She reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to developing closer ties with the UAE. Vietnam considers the UAE its first comprehensive partner and its only comprehensive economic partner in the Middle East so far.
Hang said Vietnam was ready to work with the UAE to promote practical cooperation. She also praised the UAE’s efforts to address global challenges, especially those related to energy and water security.
Vietnam, she said, would support suitable initiatives and work with the UAE to advance solutions that can deliver useful results. Energy and water security have become important concerns for many countries as they face climate pressures, changing demand and uncertain global conditions.
Sharaf said relations between Vietnam and the UAE had made significant progress since former Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the UAE in 2024. He described the relationship as entering a new phase and said both countries had a strong basis for expanding cooperation in priority sectors.
The UAE expressed interest in becoming a trusted partner for Vietnam in science and technology. Areas of focus include artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.
Cooperation in these fields could support digital development, improve services and create new opportunities for companies in both countries. The planned expansion of technology links also reflects the UAE’s interest in working with fast-growing economies in Asia.
Trade access was another key topic. Sharaf said the UAE welcomed Vietnamese goods and was ready to help them enter its market. The two sides also discussed support for Vietnam’s growing Halal industry.
This cooperation could include recognition and certification arrangements for Halal products. Sharaf said two Vietnamese Halal certification bodies had already received UAE recognition, providing a basis for further progress.
The UAE also reaffirmed its support for starting negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Vietnam. Such an agreement could help expand trade between Vietnam and the six-member Gulf bloc by reducing barriers and improving market access.
Investment was another priority. The UAE encouraged its investment funds, major companies and private businesses to explore opportunities in Vietnam. The country has attracted growing interest as a fast-growing economy and an investment destination in Asia.
Both officials agreed to make better use of current agreements and explore practical ways to address challenges. They also supported more high-level visits to strengthen political and economic links.
Energy cooperation received particular attention. The two sides agreed to encourage exchanges between oil and gas companies to help secure a stable, long-term energy supply for Vietnam. They also called for stronger links between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and UAE business partners.
The officials agreed to implement CEPA effectively and speed up UAE investment projects in Vietnam. One key project involves a data centre linked to G42 and a Vietnamese joint venture. They also discussed closer cooperation between the countries’ international financial centres.
Logistics and transport were other areas for development. Both sides agreed to study ways to improve transport links and ensure that trade flows remain smooth and efficient under changing conditions.
They also pledged to strengthen coordination at international and regional forums, particularly within the United Nations. Discussions covered stronger links between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Before the consultation, Sharaf met representatives of Vietnamese companies, including VinFast and Viettel, to discuss possible business projects and cooperation opportunities.
During his visit, Sharaf is also scheduled to join the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs at the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on October 28 and 29. Meetings with city leaders and Vietnamese businesses are also planned.
The latest consultation highlights the growing scope of Vietnam UAE relations. With trade, technology, energy and investment all on the agenda, both countries are seeking to turn their comprehensive partnership into stronger and more lasting economic cooperation.
