The statement was made by Party General Secretary and President To Lam on June 1 at the Vietnam-Philippines Business Forum in Manila during his state visit to the Philippines, adding that the two countries have built a solid foundation of political trust, market complementarity and dynamic business communities, thus creating favourable conditions for stronger economic cooperation.
In his welcoming remarks, President Marcos said the participation of the two countries’ top leaders showed the enduring strength of bilateral relations and their common determination to expand cooperation across multiple fields.
He noted that as the global economy is being reshaped by rapid technological change, evolving supply chains and persistent challenges, cooperation is becoming increasingly essential, helping boost the continued growth of Vietnam-Philippines relations.
This year holds special significance as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past five decades, the relationship has developed into one built on economic strength, sustainable growth and a shared commitment to strong, independent and globally connected nations.
He described Vietnam as an indispensable partner in trade and investment, including in the technology sector, while highlighting its important role in food security, industrial supply chains and the supply of essential electronic products. These achievements, he said, provide a strong foundation for boosting bilateral cooperation to a new stage.
The Philippine leader stressed that while governments can provide direction, build institutions, implement reforms and invest in infrastructure, progress ultimately depends on those willing to seize opportunities and turn ideas into reality. He expressed hope that the forum will transform discussions into concrete plans, contributing to a future in which people in both countries enjoy greater security, prosperity and opportunity.
Addressing the forum, To Lam stated that Vietnam and the Philippines, both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), share a longstanding friendship. The year 2026 carries particular significance as both nations mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.
Over the past half-century, bilateral friendship and cooperation have continued to deepen on the basis of political trust, mutual respect and shared interests in peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.
He noted that since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2015, cooperation has expanded across a wide range of areas, including politics, defence and security, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges. During this state visit, the two sides agreed to elevate ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
To Lam expressed confidence that the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair in 2026, will successfully fulfil its responsibilities and work with other member states to promote a united, resilient, inclusive, well-connected and adaptive ASEAN.
The top Vietnamese leader welcomed the positive results achieved in bilateral economic cooperation in recent years, saying the two countries now need to create new breakthroughs, enabling trade, investment and tourism to become stronger drivers of bilateral relations.
“It is time for Vietnam-Philippines economic cooperation to be elevated to a new level, not only in scale but, more importantly, in quality, depth and substance,” he said.
To Lam said businesses from both countries could further bolster cooperation in trade and food security in a more stable, balanced and sustainable manner. He called for greater use of the complementary strengths of the two economies, expanded cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, processed food, consumer goods, digital commerce and logistics, and the development of supply chains that are more resilient to global fluctuations.
He also encouraged greater two-way investment in areas with strong complementarities and long-term value, including modern agriculture, food processing, clean energy, logistics, supporting industries, the digital economy and innovation. The focus, he said, should move beyond trade towards joint investment, joint production and deeper participation in regional value chains.
He also called for stronger connectivity in aviation, logistics, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. As two dynamic maritime economies in ASEAN, Vietnam and the Philippines stand to benefit from expanded air links, transport routes, logistics networks and tourism cooperation, which will help narrow distances between markets, reduce business costs and create new opportunities for enterprises in both countries.
He further called for economic cooperation mechanisms to become more flexible, practical and business-oriented. Such mechanisms, he stressed, should help open markets, remove obstacles, connect projects and deliver practical outcomes.
“Governments can pave the way, but businesses are the decisive force in turning vision into reality,” he said.
To Lam went on to say that Vietnam welcomes investment while it is also actively offering favourable conditions for investors through continued institutional reforms, improved transparency and predictability, strategic infrastructure development, stronger logistics and energy systems, higher-quality human resources and regular dialogue with businesses to address difficulties and concerns.
He expressed hope that businesses from both countries will pursue cooperation with greater initiative, a longer-term perspective, and a more innovative and practical mindset, and take a more active role in investment, partnerships, technology-sharing, market expansion and regional value chains.
He said he hopes the forum will generate new ideas, new partnerships and new projects, helping bring Vietnam-Philippines economic relations into a more substantive, effective and sustainable stage of development, commensurate with the newly upgraded Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
At the forum, Vietjet announced a new direct route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu, one of the Philippines’ key economic, tourism and aviation hubs, thereby facilitating travel and enhancing connectivity within ASEAN.
On the occasion, several companies and business groups from the two countries also exchanged cooperation agreements in areas including energy, tourism, aviation, chemicals, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Vietnam and the Philippines on June 1 issued a Joint Statement on the Enhanced Strategic Partnership during General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam’s state visit to the Philippines.
