Bhutanese King and Queen visit Quang Ninh province
WVR/VNA - On August 21, Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Pham Duc An and leaders of local departments and agencies paid a courtesy call on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan, who are on a state visit to Vietnam.
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| Bhutanese King and Queen visit Quang Ninh province:Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Pham Duc An (right) and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan at their meeting on August 21, 2025. (Photo: baoquangninh.vn) |
The official warmly welcomed the King and the Bhutanese delegation to Quang Ninh province. While presenting an overview of Quang Ninh’s socio-economic development, he affirmed that the province is among the leading localities in reform and innovation in the Red River Delta, serving as a key growth engine of northern Vietnam.
He expressed his admiration for Bhutan’s development philosophy based on the Gross National Happiness Index, noting its similarities with Vietnam and Quang Ninh’s approach of linking economic growth with improved living standards, ensuring that all people enjoy the fruits of development and that “no one is left behind.”
As a province vigorously transitioning from a “brown” to a “green” growth model, Quang Ninh hopes to cooperate with Bhutan in green energy, An said, adding that both sides could deepen connections in two-way tourism and expand trade and service promotion in the future.
Impressed by Vietnam’s rapid progress, particularly that of Quang Ninh, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said Bhutan has much to learn from Vietnam’s economic governance and strategies for fostering fast and sustainable growth within a short period.
Regarding the Gross National Happiness Index, the King underlined Bhutan’s long-term strategy of balancing economic development with cultural preservation, environmental protection, and human well-being. He stressed that Bhutan is pursuing a diverse energy mix, including green, renewable, clean, and sustainable sources.
Looking to the future, the King expressed his hope for stronger and deeper Bhutan – Vietnam cooperation, adding that Bhutanese and Vietnamese enterprises in general, and those in Quang Ninh in particular, will work together for mutual development.
The same day, the King and the Bhutanese delegation toured Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in the province.
