Singapore and Vietnam have formally agreed to expedite negotiations on bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening their digital economies. The commitment came during a high-level meeting between Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son, on Monday, June 21, 2021.
According to the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both officials emphasized the importance of establishing reciprocal business and travel arrangements while maintaining strict health protocols. The agreement paves the way for future discussions on easing movement controls and expanding economic ties as the global pandemic situation evolves. Dr. Balakrishnan is currently on an official visit to Vietnam, marking the first Singaporean delegation to travel there since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his four-day stay in Hanoi, he met with recently designated President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, as well as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính and Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh. Due to ongoing travel restrictions, these meetings were conducted via Zoom.
On Wednesday, June 23, Dr. Balakrishnan stated that both nations are considering a gradual loosening of movement controls for business and travel purposes. These plans would initially apply to a few selected vacation locations to be announced in the coming months. However, he stressed that such measures depend on how quickly Vietnam can vaccinate its population.
At the time of the report, only about 2 percent of Vietnam’s 98 million people had been immunized. Dr. Balakrishnan highlighted that Singapore and Vietnam share a comparable approach to preventing infection during the pandemic, focusing on rigorous testing, isolation, and mass vaccination.
Vietnam had already enforced strict measures, including closing non-essential businesses and limiting social gatherings, even before facing its most severe outbreak, which began in late April from a church group in Ho Chi Minh City and factories in the nation’s north. The primary focus of current diplomatic efforts remains on ensuring Vietnam has sufficient time to accelerate its immunization program. Both sides agreed to wait until Vietnam is ready before implementing significant changes to travel protocols.
Meanwhile, Dr. Balakrishnan said the two nations are working at the staff level on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and testing results to build confidence toward reopening borders. Under new standards announced on May 7, travelers who have remained in Vietnam for the past consecutive 21 days are subject to a 21-day quarantine in Singapore at dedicated facilities, with an option to serve the last seven days at their place of residence.
These measures reflect the cautious approach both nations are taking to manage cross-border movement safely. Beyond health protocols, the two nations discussed broader economic cooperation. Dr. Balakrishnan said Vietnam has expressed interest in Singapore technology, particularly regarding breathalyzer test kits.
He added that Singapore will help source and evaluate these technologies for Vietnam. Vietnam has suspended entry for all foreigners except diplomats, investors, experts, and skilled workers as part of its strategy to control the virus.
Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized that while these restrictions remain, dialogue continues to ensure that when conditions allow, the resumption of movement can occur smoothly and securely for all parties involved.
