Nguyen Van Tho, the vice-president of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association and former Vietnamese ambassador to China, has emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration between Vietnam and China across various sectors to enhance their bilateral partnership. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Tho highlighted the importance of implementing the common understandings reached by the high-ranking leaders of both countries to improve the effectiveness of bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Tho stressed the significance of strengthening political trust through regular high-level meetings and exchanges at different levels. He also advocated for promoting cooperation mechanisms, particularly in diplomacy, national defense, and public security. These efforts are aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and stronger relationship between the two nations.

Economic cooperation is another critical area identified by Tho. He urged both countries to promote substantial cooperation in key sectors, focusing on trade, investment, and infrastructure connectivity. A significant aspect of this is the construction of three standard-gauge railway lines connecting the northern provinces of Vietnam with China. These lines include Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Lang Son–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Hai Phong.

In February, Vietnam's National Assembly approved an investment plan for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway, with construction expected to be completed by 2030. Tho believes that this project aligns with Vietnam's socio-economic development strategy and will enhance economic trade connectivity between Vietnam and China. He noted that the railway would serve as a vital bridge linking Vietnam and China, while also enhancing regional connectivity between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly within the framework of the Greater Mekong Subregion cooperation.

Tho also emphasized the need to bolster cooperation in implementing large-scale, high-tech projects in areas where China has advantages and Vietnam has needs. These areas include renewable energy, supporting industries, smart cities, the digital economy, the green economy, and the circular economy. Such collaborations can drive innovation and sustainable development in both countries.

China has emerged as a major foreign investor in Vietnam, with significant growth in recent years. In 2024, Chinese enterprises' direct investment in Vietnam surpassed $2.5 billion. Furthermore, China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner since 2004, and Vietnam has been China's largest trading partner within ASEAN since 2016, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The bilateral trade volume between the two countries has exceeded $200 billion for four consecutive years, underscoring the robust economic ties between them.

In addition to political and economic cooperation, Tho highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges, especially among the youth, and raising public awareness of their traditional friendship. This is aimed at strengthening the social foundation for developing bilateral relations. He noted that the stable and positive development of bilateral relations has led to vibrant and positive progress in people-to-people exchanges.

In the first quarter of this year, 1.58 million Chinese tourists visited Vietnam, accounting for the largest share of visitors to the country, according to Vietnam's General Statistics Office. Tho believes that close tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China has facilitated travel for their citizens, leading to a more vivid and direct understanding of each other and their friendly relations.

Overall, Nguyen Van Tho's remarks underscore the commitment of both Vietnam and China to deepen their cooperation across various fronts, fostering a stronger and more comprehensive partnership for the benefit of both nations and the broader region.