Chairman of Quang Ninh People’s Committee welcomes King of Bhutan

As part of the state visit to Vietnam, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck visited Quang Ninh province  on the morning of August 21 in Quang Ninh. The royal delegation was warmly received by Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, Pham Duc An along with other provincial leaders.

Extending a warm welcome to His Majesty and the delegation, Chairman Pham Duc An presented an overview of the province’s socio-economic achievements, underscoring Quang Ninh’s role as a pioneer of reform and innovation in the Red River Delta and a key growth engine of northern Vietnam.

The Chairman expressed his admiration for Bhutan’s development philosophy centered on Gross National Happiness, highlighting its resonance with Vietnam and Quang Ninh’s vision, where economic growth is pursued in tandem with enhancing people’s well-being, ensuring shared prosperity and happiness, and leaving no one behind.

Impressed by Vietnam’s dynamic development, particularly in Quang Ninh, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck emphasized that Bhutan could gain valuable insights from Vietnam’s experience in economic governance and its strategies for fostering rapid yet sustainable growth.

Speaking on Bhutan’s long-term development strategy, His Majesty emphasized that economic progress must be pursued in harmony with cultural preservation, environmental protection, and the well-being of the people. He also highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to expanding green, renewable, and sustainable energy.

Chairman Pham Duc An noted that Quang Ninh is actively transitioning from a “brown” to a “green” growth model, and expressed the province’s interest in cooperating with Bhutan in the field of green energy. He also looked forward to deepening ties in tourism, promoting two-way travel, and enhancing trade and services.

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck expressed his hope that Bhutan and Vietnam will continue to strengthen their close and enduring partnership, with businesses from both countries, and particularly those in Quang Ninh, working together for shared prosperity.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty the King and the Bhutanese delegation visited Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site.