site.btaVietnam Top Leader To Lam Calls for Improved Transport Links between Bulgaria and Vietnam

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam said on Thursday that transport links between Bulgaria and Vietnam need to be further developed. He was speaking at the opening of a business forum in Sofia dedicated to opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. 

To Lam noted that establishing direct air routes between the two countries, especially between Hanoi and Sofia, was essential. He recalled that since August 15 this year, Bulgarian citizens have been able to travel to Vietnam visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 45 days. According to him, Vietnam has already seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals and growing business interest.

Bulgaria has achieved remarkable success in the development of science and technology, which is evident in its production processes, To Lam said.

He recalled that earlier in the day Bulgaria and Vietnam had adopted a declaration elevating their relations to the level of a strategic partnership. This, he said, was not just a declaration but a milestone opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, complete with fresh plans, roadmaps, and ambitions to make full use of emerging opportunities.

"I wish you every success in becoming a responsible member of the eurozone in 2026 and in continuing your contribution to Europe and the world," To Lam said. He added that few countries in the world had such a large community of Bulgarian speakers as Vietnam, describing this as a significant advantage.

Vietnam, he continued, was in the “golden era” of its population, with many young and capable people ready to contribute to the country’s progress.

The business forum was organised by the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency in partnership with the Foreign Investment Agency of Vietnam (FIA). Its aim was to promote contacts and present opportunities for cooperation and partnership between Bulgarian and Vietnamese companies.

To Lam is visiting Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev. The visit marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and forms part of the Vietnamese leader’s tour of Europe.