The two sides will focus on enhancing economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation; and on establishing dialogue mechanisms on major issues.

The bilateral relationship between the two neighbors have seen important developments of late.

The two countries have basically completed the work of demarcation and landmark planting along their land borders. They have agreed to continue implementing agreements on delineation of the Tonkin Gulf and fisheries cooperation in the Tonkin Gulf

China has become Vietnam’s leading trade partner since 2004 with two-way trade exceeding US$16 billion in 2007. The figure is expected to reach $21 billion this year.

By the end of July 2008, China had invested in 606 projects in Vietnam with a total capital of $2 billion, ranking 12th among 82 countries and territories investing in the country. In addition, the two sides have boosted cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, science and technology, transport and healthcare, particularly in projects under the framework of their “two corridors and one economic belt” agreement.

In November 2005, the two countries signed an agreement on educational cooperation for the 2005-2009 period.

Vietnam now ranks fourth among countries which have students learning in China, with more than 9,700 students.

Source: VNA