Oleh/By		:	DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD 
Tempat/Venue 	: 	SRI PERDANA, KUALA LUMPUR 
Tarikh/Date 	: 	25/03/94 
Tajuk/Title  	: 	THE OFFICIAL DINNER IN HONOUR OF 
			HIS EXCELLENCY DO MUOI, GENERAL 
			SECRETARY OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE 
			OF COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM 


 
    It is indeed a great pleasure for me  to  welcome  Your
Excellency  and the distinguished members of your delegation
to Malaysia.  I hope that you have a pleasant  stay  in  our
country.    I  recall fondly my own visit to your country in
April 1992 during which I had  the  opportunity  of  meeting
you.
2.   I am happy to note that bilateral relations between our
two  countries  are developing in an excellent manner.  This
is evident in the frequent exchange of  visits  between  the
leaders  and  officials  of  both countries in recent years.
Your visit is another manifestation of the  close  relations
that  exist between our two countries.  Through the exchange
of visits, both sides are able to  have  constant  dialogue,
thus   promoting   goodwill   and  understanding  which  are
essential ingredients for closer friendship and  cooperation
between neighbouring countries.
3.      The  efforts  on  both  sides in promoting bilateral
relations and cooperation during the  last  few  years  have
brought  about  many  positive results.   We can be proud of
this achievement.  We should  strive to maintain and further
develop the  relationship.    Cooperation  between  our  two
countries can be expanded further to cover other areas.
4.    There is a distinct increase in trade between Malaysia
and Vietnam over the last two years.   Our  total  bilateral
trade  which  stood  at RM235.4 million in 1991 increased to
RM473 million for the first nine months of 1993.  The  scope
is  wide for a further increase in the volume of trade.  The
conclusion  of  the  Bilateral  Payments  Arrangement  (BPA)
between  the two countries has to a large extent contributed
to this increase.  This shows that the BPA is an  innovative
and  viable  mechanism for promoting trade between and among
developing countries.
5.   Malaysia recognises and admires the vast potential  for
Vietnam's  economic  growth and development.  Vietnam has an
abundance of natural resources.  Its people are hardworking.
We believe we can form  a  genuine  partnership  in  various
economic  activities for mutual benefit.  It is with this in
mind that the Malaysian Government has encouraged Malaysians
to invest in Vietnam.  I am glad that  they  have  responded
well.    I  am  also  glad  that  there  has been an equally
positive and enthusiastic response from  Vietnam.  Over  the
last  two  years,  Malaysian  companies  have  undertaken to
invest close to US$426 million in Vietnam.   I am  happy  to
note  that a Malaysian consortium has successfully begun the
development of an Export Processing Zone in Danang with  its
official  launching  three  days ago on 22 March.  I am glad
that  Malaysians  have  been  entrusted  to  undertake  this
project.    We  believe  this  can  contribute  much  to the
development of Vietnam's economy.  There are other  projects
in  which  Malaysian  companies  are  involved or have shown
interest in.  I hope that the  Vietnamese  Government  would
continue   to   give  positive  consideration  to  Malaysian
participation in these projects.
6.   Malaysia  follows with great interest  the  efforts  to
promote  economic  development  that are being undertaken in
Vietnam.   These efforts have  already  brought  about  some
impressive  results.    I  am  sure  that  with  the correct
approach and sound policies, the Vietnamese  Government  can
bring   about   more   significant   economic  achievements.
Malaysia welcomes the decision by President Clinton to  lift
the American trade embargo on Vietnam in February this year.
This is good for both America and Vietnam.  It should create
a more favourable condition for Vietnam to continue with the
current  efforts  to develop.  I am confident that with your
pragmatic approach and  strong  commitment  to  development,
peace  and stability, Vietnam will grow and prosper like the
rest of South-east Asia.  We in Malaysia  believe  that  the
prosperity  of  our neighbours are closely linked to our own
prosperity.   Hence, we see the  necessity  for  maintaining
close cooperation with all countries in South-east Asia.  In
recent   years   we   have   witnessed  some  very  positive
developments  contributing   towards   greater   peace   and
stability  in  the  region.    In this connection, Vietnam's
accession  to  the  Treaty  of  Amity  and  Cooperation   in
South-east  Asia  and  ASEAN's  decision  to  grant observer
status  to  Vietnam  at  ASEAN  Ministerial   Meetings   are
significant  developments  in  your country's relations with
the other countries in the region.   This  offers  excellent
prospects  for  long  term  cooperative  association between
Vietnam  and  its  neighbours  in  South-east  Asia  leading
eventually  to  Vietnam's  own  membership within ASEAN.   I
should again reiterate my view that all the  ten  South-east
Asian countries should eventually become members of ASEAN.
7.      Given  the  changes  and  developments  politically,
economically and technologically throughout the world, there
is  an  even  greater  need   to   preserve   understanding,
strengthen goodwill and nurture cooperation among nations in
our region.  We must create the conditions which will enable
us  to  move  forward  to meet the various challenges.   The
fostering of friendship and good  neighbourliness  among  us
would  contribute  to  a  stable,  peaceful  and  prosperous
region.  We should speak with one voice on issues of  common
concern.    We  should  endeavour  to resolve problems among
ourselves in a peaceful manner.  We should cooperate in  all
areas  which will bring mutual benefit.  We must realise the
dream of a peaceful,  stable  and  united  South-east  Asian
region.
8.   Once again I wish to express my hope that your visit to
Malaysia  will  be  an enjoyable and meaningful one and that
the reception and hospitality extended to you and members of
your delegation will not be found wanting.