Truong Minh Huy Vu (R), vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, welcomes Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Jamal Sharifuddin Bin Johan during his courtesy visit to the city, November 13, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
The remarks came during the ambassador's introductory visit to Ho Chi Minh City, where he met Truong Minh Huy Vu, vice-chairman of the municipal administration, to discuss trade, investment and future cooperation opportunities.
At the meeting, Vu said Malaysia and its business community have maintained close cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City.
Key areas of collaboration include manufacturing, technology, services and trade, with cooperation now expanding into high technology, education and training.
Student exchanges, tourism and people-to-people activities have further strengthened ties between the two countries, he added.
Truong Minh Huy Vu (R), vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee during a reception for Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Jamal Sharifuddin Bin Johan, Ho Chi Minh City, November 13, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Malaysia is currently Vietnam's third-largest trading partner within ASEAN.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysia ranks among the top 10 foreign investors, with 514 projects and total registered capital exceeding $6.1 billion.
Trade between Ho Chi Minh City and Malaysia surpassed $3.5 billion in 2025.
Vu emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City consistently prioritizes strengthening its friendship and cooperation with Malaysia.
In response, Ambassador Jamal Sharifuddin Bin Johan thanked Ho Chi Minh City leaders for their warm reception and noted that this was his first visit to the southern Vietnam metropolis.
“We have great relations in every sphere,” the Malaysian diplomat said when it came to Vietnam-Malaysia ties.
Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Jamal Sharifuddin Bin Johan. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
According to the ambassador, total bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $16.3 billion.
While the two countries have set a goal of reaching $20 billion by 2030, Malaysia believes the target can be achieved two to three years earlier.
Aside from trade and investment, both sides identified the digital economy as a promising area for future cooperation. The ambassador said Malaysia and Vietnam have already held discussions with Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology on expanding collaboration in this field.
Education was another priority topic, with both countries seeking to broaden student exchanges, research partnerships and technical knowledge-sharing programs.
Ho Chi Minh City leaders and the Malaysian delegation pose for a group photo after their meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, November 13, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Outlining priorities for future cooperation, Vu proposed expanding exchanges at various levels and promoting collaboration in areas that match the strengths and needs of both sides, including big data, high technology and the digital economy.
He also highlighted potential collaboration in developing Vietnam's International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in areas such as Islamic finance, Halal banking services, and financial instruments such as sukuk, or Islamic bonds.
The city leader expressed hope that both sides would further expand cultural and educational exchanges, especially youth programs and capacity building initiatives.
Ho Chi Minh City pledged continued support for Malaysia to effectively implement cooperation initiatives in the years to come, with the aim of deepening the Vietnam-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership, which was elevated in 2024.
