Close engagement between businesses of Vietnam and Bangladesh

Vietnam and Bangladesh have seen steadily growing bilateral trade, surpassing $1 billion in recent years. In your view, what are the key drivers behind this growth, and what sectors hold the greatest potential for further expansion? 

The steady growth in bilateral trade between Vietnam and Bangladesh has been driven by strong engagement at both the governmental and private-sector levels. Institutional mechanisms, such as the Joint Trade Committee Meeting between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh, play a crucial role in facilitating trade. The most recent meeting, held in 2025, provided an opportunity to discuss and address several trade-related and non-tariff issues, contributing positively to smoother trade flows.

At the private-sector level, the business communities in both countries are becoming increasingly connected. A growing number of business forums, trade delegations, and networking initiatives are taking place, helping to deepen commercial partnerships.

As Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vietnam, I have a practical plan to link the business communities of both countries, bridge communication gaps, and provide suggestions and advice on the legal framework for smooth cooperation (including supporting the signing of a preferential trade agreement with a view to reaching a free trade agreement), thereby creating a more favorable environment for economic cooperation and investment.

In terms of future potential, sectors such as advanced textiles and garments, yarn and fabric, tobacco, plant-based products, pharmaceuticals, leather and footwear goods, agricultural products, bicycles, light engineering, and emerging technology sectors such as AI and the semiconductor industry hold significant promise for further expansion.

With global supply chains undergoing significant shifts, how can Vietnam and Bangladesh work together to strengthen regional connectivity and resilience in trade and manufacturing?

Enhancing maritime and air connectivity between Bangladesh and Vietnam would significantly strengthen regional connectivity and facilitate smoother trade and supply chain integration. Bilateral trade is primarily conducted through maritime routes, with the ports of both countries already connected. Both governments are also exploring the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity, which would further support business travel, cargo movement, and broader economic cooperation.

Bangladesh is also actively pursuing deeper regional economic integration, including its interest in joining ASEAN and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which would further contribute to regional trade and supply chain networks.

Continuous diplomatic engagement, strong private-sector collaboration, and the maintenance of a conducive trade and investment environment will play a central role in building a resilient trade and manufacturing framework between the two countries and across the region.

In this context, there are opportunities for stronger cooperation between Vietnam and Bangladesh across multiple sectors. For example, in the garment sector, which is a major source of income for both countries, there is potential for collaboration rather than competition. Vietnam is targeting higher-end segments, while Bangladesh focuses on other segments of the market. The two sides could exchange information and orders. Bangladesh can also supply skilled garment workers to Vietnam, where many factories face labor shortages. Vietnam, in turn, can invest in garment production in Bangladesh to leverage local skilled labor. This model could be extended to other sectors in Vietnam that are experiencing labor shortages.

Bangladesh has experienced impressive economic growth in recent years and is emerging as a dynamic market in South Asia. What advantages or opportunities does Bangladesh offer for Vietnamese exporters and investors today? 

Bangladesh offers a wide range of trade and investment opportunities for Vietnamese businesses. With a population of 180 million and a growing middle class, it has become an attractive market. Vietnamese exporters can benefit by offering quality food items and ingredients, cotton, high-quality garments, lifestyle products, electronic goods, transport equipment and parts, agro-machinery and parts, construction materials such as stone and clinker, and high-tech products such as AI and robotics at competitive prices.

In the investment sector, Bangladesh provides attractive opportunities through its growing network of special economic zones (SEZs) and export processing zones. Vietnamese enterprises may consider investing in sectors such as electronics, ready-made garments, leather and footwear, technical textiles, light engineering, renewable energy, logistics, automotive and auto parts, and electric vehicle batteries, as well as emerging sectors such as AI and semiconductor-related industries.

Beyond trade, what initiatives are being planned to promote stronger economic ties between Vietnamese and Bangladeshi businesses, such as business forums, investment promotion, or digital cooperation? 

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Vietnam has already facilitated several high-profile business forums and business-to-business engagements in both Bangladesh and Vietnam. These initiatives have significantly strengthened connections between the business communities of the two countries.

Institutional collaboration is also in place between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh. The Embassy is actively working to implement these cooperative mechanisms and further expand business-to-business links.

At the same time, the Embassy is closely engaging with the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) of Vietnam to encourage and facilitate Vietnamese investment in Bangladesh. Efforts are being made to revive the cooperative mechanism between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition, the establishment of an e-commerce platform is also underway. These efforts, along with continued promotion of trade missions and digital business connectivity, will further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

What message would you like to share with the Vietnamese people and business community about the future of Vietnam-Bangladesh relations? 

The peoples of both Bangladesh and Vietnam have long been trusted friends. There has always been strong warmth and goodwill between the two nations. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship and partnership.

I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the government and people of Vietnam for their friendship and support. The growing bilateral ties in education and training, trade, culture, and security, as well as bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion, reflect our shared commitment to deepening cooperation.

Bangladesh now has a new government that is more enthusiastic about diversifying and strengthening its partnership with Vietnam. It has also placed a high priority on enhancing political ties and promoting cultural relations. We look forward to working more closely with our Vietnamese partners to elevate our relationship to a new level and achieve shared prosperity.