The upgrade of Vietnam–Indonesia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is set to accelerate economic and trade cooperation nationwide, with stronger collaboration expected in aquaculture, science and technology, the digital economy, and the fast-growing halal sector. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Carolina Tinangon, consul general of the Republic of Indonesia in HCMC, says the strengthened partnership will deepen supply-chain connectivity, widen investment flows, and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries as they work toward US$18 billion in bilateral trade by 2028. The Saigon Times: Indonesia and Vietnam recently upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. What opportunities does this upgrade create for economic and trade cooperation, particularly in HCMC and the southern region? Carolina Tinangon: President Prabowo Subianto and Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary To Lam agreed on March 10, 2025, to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation across politics, economics, education, science, and people-to-people relations. This commitment was formalized through three cooperation documents exchanged in the presence of the two leaders: the Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Capacity Building in Technical and Digital Economy Sectors; the Letter of Intent on Cooperation in […]