Diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Vietnam date back to 1965, during the leadership of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and President Ho Chi Minh
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Vietnam as the latter marked its 80th independence anniversary, alongside 60 years of diplomatic ties with Tanzania.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mohamoud Kombo, the Deputy Minister for the ministry, Mr Cosato Chumi, commended Vietnam for its remarkable journey of nation-building since gaining independence.
“Vietnam’s celebration of 80 years of independence and 60 years of strong diplomatic ties with Tanzania reflects not only resilience and hard work but also the pursuit of sustainable growth,” Mr Chumi said during the commemorations in Dar es Salaam.
“Over the past eight decades, Vietnam has built a solid economy and made commendable strides towards achieving its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045.”
He further noted that Tanzania values Vietnam’s sacrifices and the historical struggles shared by both nations in pursuit of freedom and development.
“Tanzania acknowledges and appreciates the contribution and historical struggle between the people of our two nations. For 60 years, we have worked together in areas of investment, trade, education, health, agriculture, science and technology,” he added.
Diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Vietnam date back to 1965, during the leadership of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and President Ho Chi Minh.
Since then, the two nations have built cooperation not only bilaterally but also at the international level, often sharing common positions on global issues.
Trade has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of this partnership. According to official data, Vietnam is now the seventh-largest market for Tanzanian products.
Exports from Tanzania to Vietnam rose from $226.6 million in 2020 to $314.2 million in 2024—an increase of 38 percent in just five years.
Much of this trade is dominated by raw materials, including cashew nuts, sesame, and minerals, reflecting the potential for value addition and diversification.
For Tanzania, Vietnam presents significant opportunities as a fast-growing Asian economy.
Vietnam’s industrial transformation, agricultural modernisation, and advancements in science and technology serve as a model and an avenue for collaboration.
Experts say Tanzania can leverage Vietnam’s experience in manufacturing and technology to boost its own economic agenda, particularly in industrialisation and job creation.
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Vu Thanh Huyen reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to deepening cooperation.
“Vietnam is determined to further enhance its relations with Tanzania, with a particular focus on trade, investment, and technological development as drivers of shared prosperity,” the ambassador noted.
Observers note that as Vietnam eyes its long-term goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045, partnerships with African countries such as Tanzania will be vital in expanding markets and strengthening South-South cooperation.
For Tanzania, enhancing relations with Vietnam could help diversify its economic base, attract investment, and create new openings for youth employment through industrial partnerships.
As both countries celebrate these milestones, their shared history and complementary strengths suggest that the next chapter of cooperation may be even more transformative—anchored in mutual growth, respect, and a shared vision for development.
