Their two-way turnover reached US$9.5 billion last year, helping the island nation become Vietnam’s fifth largest trading partner.

This was announced by Singapore's Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Pong Kok Tian, and President of the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association, Nguyen Thanh Rum, at a ceremony in HCM City on August 5 to mark the 45^th anniversary of Singapore’s National Day (August 9).

Mr Tian and Mr Rum highlighted the remarkable achievements in bilateral ties and expressed their belief that as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), both countries will continue to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

Bilateral ties have developed well in the fields of economics, trade, investment, education, health care, and tourism. Singapore is currently one of the most attractive destinations for Vietnamese students.