Key facts
- Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited Vietnam from September 4-6.
- The visit signals Vietnam's pragmatic approach to engaging with Myanmar, a stance that contrasts with ASEAN's divided approach.
- The visit aimed to restore substantive state-to-state relations and foster economic cooperation.
- Bilateral trade is targeted at $1 billion, with current trade showing signs of recovery.
- Vietnamese businesses have significant investments in Myanmar, totaling $1.4 billion.
- Cooperation on non-traditional security issues was a key focus.
Vietnam hosted Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing from September 4-6, signaling Hanoi's pragmatic approach to engaging with Myanmar amidst ASEAN's divided stance on the country. This official visit, the first since Myanmar's 2026 general election and subsequent government establishment in April, underscores Vietnam's active role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The visit was carefully prepared, including a working visit by Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung to Myanmar in late August, where he co-chaired the first Vietnam-Myanmar Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation meeting since 2019. This laid the groundwork for high-level agreements, shifting the focus from merely maintaining political relations amid the post-2021 crisis to more substantive cooperation in economic ties, functional security, and development.
Economic cooperation is highlighted as a key pillar, with both nations aiming to restore bilateral trade to $1 billion. Trade has shown recovery signs, reaching $335 million in the first half of 2026, up from $590 million in 2025 and down from $853 million in 2020. Vietnamese businesses have a substantial presence in Myanmar, with 107 investment projects totaling $1.4 billion in registered capital as of June 2026. Vietnam's engagement is seen as beneficial for both its market position and Myanmar's economic recovery, with interests shown in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and electric vehicles.
Beyond economics, cooperation in non-traditional security issues such as online scam centers, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybersecurity threats was emphasized. This focus allows Vietnam to establish substantive cooperation with the Myanmar authorities, safeguarding its national security interests and contributing to ASEAN's efforts against transnational crime.