OR China and Vietnam They signed dozens of cooperation agreements during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jing to reinforce his links to Southeast Asia on his first trip abroad for 2025.

The two countries signed a total of 45 agreements during the meeting of the Chinese leader with the Vietnamese Communist Party leader, Lam Monday, according to the Vietnamese State VTV, without giving details of what the agreements were included. Leaders agreed to set up a committee on the development of railways between the two nations in an effort to boost cooperation in this area, the report added.

Vietnam seeks to further enhance its cooperation with China in the field of security, transport and privileged loans from China, according to VTV. Vietnam also expects to have a more balanced trade with its neighbor.

Since the first US -China trade war, Vietnam has emerged as the big beneficiary, with manufacturers carrying their activities beyond the southern border to avoid US duties. Vietnam’s economy depends largely on Chinese spare parts and raw materials. Both sides work to develop infrastructure for their closer connection.

China is Vietnam’s largest bilateral trading partner, with a trade in more than $ 205 billion last year, and is an important market for Vietnam’s agricultural products, from fruits to seafood, cashews and cafes.

The Vietnam government has pledged to accelerate the progress of three railways associated with the two countries. This includes the cross -border railway line of $ 8.4 billion that will connect the northern border town of Lao Kai with Hanoi and the port of Haifong.