Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has arrived in Vietnam for an official visit, marking a significant step in strengthening Vietnam-Singapore relations. His trip aims to boost diplomatic and economic cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, and education. How will this visit shape the future of the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
On March 25, 2025, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his wife, Loo Tze Lui, arrived in Hanoi for an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and his spouse.
Warm Welcome in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Nội Bài International Airport, the delegation was received by Minister of Science and Technology Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, and Vietnam’s Ambassador to Singapore, Trần Phước Anh.
Accompanying Delegation
Prime Minister Wong was accompanied by key officials, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, highlighting the importance of this visit.
Prime Minister Wong’s Background
Born in 1972, Lawrence Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the National University of Singapore and a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School. His career in public service began in 2000 at the Ministry of Finance, with subsequent roles as Minister for Education, Minister for National Development, and Minister for Finance. In May 2024, he became Singapore’s fourth and youngest Prime Minister.
Vietnam-Singapore Relations
Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Singapore were established on August 1, 1973. Recently, the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Vietnam being the first ASEAN country to achieve this status with Singapore.
Economic Collaboration
In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $10 billion, a 14.7% increase from the previous year. Singapore stands as Vietnam’s second-largest investor, with cumulative investments surpassing $80 billion. The Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) symbolize this successful cooperation.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges
In 2024, over 347,400 Singaporean tourists visited Vietnam, marking a 6% rise from the prior year. Additionally, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese are studying, working, and residing in Singapore, further strengthening the people-to-people connections between the two countries.
This visit underscores the deepening ties and mutual commitment to collaboration between Vietnam and Singapore. As both nations continue to build upon their strong foundation, what areas of cooperation do you think should be prioritized to further enhance this partnership?
