SAN FRANCISCO: Malaysia and Vietnam have agreed to boost cooperation to address illegal fishing activities in Malaysian waters.
This was agreed upon at a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Meeting.
“We seek continued cooperation and commitment from Vietnam in combating illegal fishing in Malaysian waters,” Anwar said after the meeting yesterday.The Prime Minister said both leaders also discussed the South China Sea issue and agreed to fully adhere to the Declaration of Conduct on it.
Also present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.
Anwar said Vietnam had requested Malaysia to facilitate its halal products and cooperate on halal certification.
Apart from discussing possibilities on increasing bilateral trade and cooperation, the Prime Minister also extended an invitation to the Vietnamese President to undertake a state visit to Malaysia sometime next year.Vietnam is Malaysia’s 12th largest trading partner globally, and it is also the country’s fourth largest trading partner in Asean after Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
In 2022, total bilateral trade increased by 16.4% to US$19.44bil (RM90.83bil) from US$16.7bil (RM78.03bil) in 2021.
In terms of investments, Malaysia is Vietnam’s 10th largest investor after Singapore and Thailand.
Anwar also held a bilateral meeting with Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra.
