Since its establishment, this milestone partnership has laid an important legal foundation for strengthening subnational cooperation within the broader framework of Vietnam–Uruguay relations. As two strategically positioned economic centres, Ho Chi Minh City and Montevideo have built a flexible partnership that translates diplomatic commitments into practical initiatives, with a focus on port infrastructure development, the digital economy, trade promotion and people-to-people exchanges between South America and the Asia–Pacific region.
Regarding its economy and key industries, Montevideo is the administrative and economic centre of Uruguay, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. It is widely recognised as one of the South American cities offering the highest quality of life. The city's economy is underpinned by strong financial services, logistics and a knowledge-based economy, supported by an open market system and an extensive network of tax-incentivised Free Trade Zones (Zonas Francas). Montevideo's key industries include international port services and software development, with Uruguay recognised as one of Latin America's leading software exporters on a per capita basis. Looking ahead, Montevideo continues to promote smart green urban planning, modernise export-oriented food supply chains and accelerate the application of digital technologies in urban infrastructure and public administration.
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Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Duong Anh Duc and Acting Mayor of Montevideo Mauricio Zunino sign the Letter of Intent between the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and the Government of the City of Montevideo. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee
Over the years, cooperation between the two cities has produced positive outcomes through multilateral local-government forums, business networking initiatives and cultural exchanges. Since the establishment of this partnership, Montevideo's active participation in the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue (FD) has contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship. Recent cooperation initiatives have included cultural weeks, art exhibitions and trade seminars that have enhanced mutual understanding while creating opportunities for businesses to expand cooperation. These activities have also laid the groundwork for facilitating greater access for Ho Chi Minh City's key agricultural and aquatic products to the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).
Future Cooperation Priorities looking ahead, particularly within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue (FD) 2026, Ho Chi Minh City seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships, promote investment and knowledge exchange with Montevideo in the following five priority areas:
1. Logistics and Maritime Port Services: Enhance modern port operations, develop intercontinental shipping routes and strengthen connectivity with MERCOSUR markets through the Port of Montevideo.
2. Information Technology and the Digital Economy: Foster innovation ecosystem connectivity, promote cooperation in e-government, cybersecurity and digital transformation, and strengthen collaboration between software and digital content enterprises in both cities.
3. Finance and International Services: Share experience in developing legal and regulatory frameworks for international financial centres while strengthening cooperation among financial institutions, banking networks and trade intermediaries.
4. High-tech Agriculture and Food Processing: Promote bilateral trade in complementary products, including Vietnam's agricultural, aquatic and textile products, and Uruguay's premium beef, wine and dairy products.
5. Green Urban Development and Renewable Energy: Enhance cooperation in green urban planning, circular waste management and the application of renewable energy technologies, including wind and solar power, which are among Uruguay's key strengths.