Vietnam and Canada deepen ties as To Lam concludes landmark state visit

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 27, 2026

Photo Courtesy: VNA

Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam has concluded his state visit to Canada, a trip that marked a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

To Lam and the Vietnamese delegation departed Ottawa on September 25 after a series of meetings with Canadian officials, business leaders, investors, experts and members of the Vietnamese community.

A major outcome of the visit was the decision by Vietnam and Canada to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, creating a new framework for deeper cooperation.

The partnership covers eight areas, including trade and investment, infrastructure and supply chains, artificial intelligence and advanced technology, energy and sustainable development, agriculture, defense and security, and education and people-to-people ties.

During his visit, To Lam also delivered a policy speech at the Parliament of Canada, where he highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation in science, technology and innovation and emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

Economic cooperation was another key focus, with Vietnam and Canada discussing stronger trade and investment ties. To Lam said the two countries could aim for US$14 billion to US$15 billion in two-way trade by 2030, with an emphasis on balanced and higher-value trade.

The visit also included meetings with major Canadian companies, including discussions on engineering, project management and nuclear technology, as Vietnam looks to expand cooperation in strategic industries.

The September 24–25 visit was particularly significant because it was the first visit to Canada by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973.

With the new Strategic Partnership now in place, both governments are expected to develop an action plan to translate the agreement into concrete cooperation, potentially reshaping the economic, technological and diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Canada in the years ahead.