The direction was discussed by Vietnamese National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire Patrick Achi at their talks in Hanoi on August 23, during the latter’s official visit to Vietnam from August 23 to 26.

NA President Man called for stronger legislative cooperation, including the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the two parliaments, the establishment of friendship parliamentary groups and greater sharing of experience in lawmaking and oversight.

The two sides also highlighted the role of parliaments in promoting and monitoring the implementation of bilateral agreements, including the Government-level framework agreement, the double taxation avoidance agreement and the agreement on investment promotion and protection.

Such a role can help create a more predictable legal environment for businesses, supporting trade and investment between the two countries.

The Ivorian side expressed interest in sharing Vietnam’s experience in lawmaking, public financial management, parliamentary reform and the use of science and technology in legislative work.

Parliament as a bridge for economic ties

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the talks. NA President Tran Thanh Man said bilateral trade has developed positively, with Côte d’Ivoire becoming Vietnam’s largest African trading partner in 2025, as their two-way trade hit nearly US$2 billion.

The two sides agreed to improve the business environment and diversify their import and export structures, aiming to raise bilateral trade to US$3-5 billion in the coming time.

NA President Achi expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnam in areas including agriculture, fisheries, technical and vocational training, public financial management and innovation.

He also praised Vietnam’s development achievements and said the country’s experience could offer useful lessons for Côte d’Ivoire and other African countries.

In this context, he said, stronger parliamentary ties could help create a more supportive institutional framework for business links, investment and economic cooperation.

Connecting West Africa with Southeast Asia

The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination through multilateral parliamentary forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).

NA President Tran Thanh man expressed hope that Côte d’Ivoire would support Vietnam’s stronger engagement with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Vietnam, meanwhile he said, is ready to serve as a bridge for Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen links with ASEAN and its member states, potentially opening wider channels between West Africa and Southeast Asia.

The two sides also agreed to continue consultations and mutual support at international and multilateral parliamentary forums.

Following their talks, the two National Assembly leaders also viewed digital tools being used to support legislative work at the Vietnamese National Assembly.

NA President Patrick Achi invited NA President Tran Thanh Man to visit Côte d’Ivoire in 2027 with a delegation of Vietnamese ministers, senior officials and businesses to explore concrete economic cooperation projects.

President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire Patrick Achi arrived in Hanoi on August 22 for an official visit to Vietnam that is expected to strengthen parliamentary ties and promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.