Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing visited Vietnam on Friday in an effort to improve relations with ASEAN and attract foreign investment. In Hanoi, he is expected to hold meetings with President Võ Văn Thường and other high-level officials, as well as participate in a business panel. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Myanmar declined from $853 million in 2020 to $590 million in 2025. (Bangkok, September 5 – Rass/AFP)
This visit is viewed as an attempt to end the growing political isolation Myanmar has faced regionally and internationally since the military takeover in 2021. Upon assuming the presidency, Min Aung Hlaing undertook visits to India, China, Laos, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Russia. During these trips, he engaged with leaders and business delegations to attract foreign investment. However, critics argue that these diplomatic activities serve to consolidate military rule.
Although Vietnam and Myanmar have had longstanding cooperation in defense and communications sectors, their trade relations have been limited. Bilateral trade decreased from $853 million in 2020 to $590 million in 2025. During the first half of 2026, trade has reached $335 million. In Hanoi, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to meet with President Võ Văn Thường and senior officials and take part in business forums.
This Vietnam visit marks his third to an ASEAN member state. Relations between Myanmar and ASEAN deteriorated after the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. ASEAN barred Min Aung Hlaing from attending senior-level meetings, citing a lack of progress in implementing a peace plan. Western countries have imposed sanctions on him and his associates. His recent diplomatic engagements are viewed as efforts to reintegrate Myanmar into regional frameworks and expand economic cooperation. Meanwhile, nationwide armed resistance and civil conflict continue in Myanmar following the 2021 military crackdown.
