Vietnam’s president and prime minister praised President Marcos for the high growth rate the Philippines recorded under his leadership despite the global economic challenges.

(From left) President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Vietnam President Vo Van Thoung (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

A statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) quoted Vietnam President Vo Van Thoung and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who both met with Marcos during his two-day state visit there.

“I would like to congratulate the Philippines on remarkable socio-economic, foreign policies, security and defense achievement under your able leadership,” Thoung said.

“Since you assumed the presidency with a lot of breakthroughs such as for economic development,” he added.

The Vietnamese president also commended Marcos for the fruitful outcome of the bilateral talks between the Philippines and Vietnam.

For his part, Pham expressed wanting to learn from Marcos’ economic strategy and leadership style as he believed these should be emulated by Vietnamese leaders.

“I truly appreciate the role of Mr. President in promoting and creating traditions for businesses from the Philippines to grow and making contributions to the socio-economic development of the Philippines,” the Prime Minister told the Philippine leader.

“We admire your effort and we would like to learn from that lesson. And I would like to learn the experiences from President Marcos in managing the country,” he added.

Aside from the Vietnamese president and prime minister, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue also lauded Marcos and his economic performance, noting the significant changes that he has made in the Philippine economy.

Meanwhile, Pham assured the President that Vietnam is ready to listen to his recommendations as he believes this would foster deeper connectivity between the two countries’ trade and investment ties.

According to the PCO, the Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The country also recorded the second fastest economy among major emerging economies in Asia that have already released their fourth quarter real gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

It follows Vietnam with 6.7 percent, but is ahead of China with 5.2 percent and Malaysia with 3.4 percent.

The country’s economic growth is also higher than the forecast growth rates for Indonesia (5.0 percent), and Thailand (3.5 percent).