A new multipolar world has emerged after the Russia- Ukraine war. Prior to this war, the world was ideally sitting on either side of the two axis. One West and the other- Russia-China. Now, almost every single nation has started to check their personal benefits first. India, Hungary, and even Saudi Arabia are some prominent examples of nations that have demonstrated that they stand as a different ideologue and are not interested in joining any side of this axis.
Many nations are now coming to the Caribbean to expand their circle of influence independent of US, China, and Russia. Now, Vietnam has come to Trinidad and Tobago for starting new energy relations.
1st February was a red letter day for Trinidad and Tobago. For the first time in history, Vietnam and Trinidad and Tobago officially established diplomatic ties. In New York, the Permanent Representative of Vietnam, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, and the Representative of Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Dennis Francis Smith, signed a joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic ties between their respective nations.
In accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Vietnam and Trinidad and Tobago have decided to exchange ambassadorial-level diplomatic representatives. The document was sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for distribution that day, as well as to UN member nations for information.
Now, this is a really big development considering the fact that both nations are currently trying to move out of the shadows of dependency and become self-reliant.
TT’s energy expansion and Vietnam’s role
Over the past few days, TT has shown signs that it seeks to expand its energy clout across the globe. A week ago, TT hosted an energy conference in a bid to expand energy relations with the globe. During the meeting, Trinidad & Tobago also proposed a Caribbean energy alliance with Guyana and Suriname.
Now, when we come to Vietnam, it’s almost like Trinidad and Tobago of East Asia. Just like TT, Vietnam has a large chunk of unexplored energy resources.
Coal, bauxite, oil and gas deposits, copper, hydropower, and timber are just a few of the natural resources that the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is rich in. Coal and petroleum make up the majority of the nation’s mineral exports. Most of the mining projects are managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam.
Being resource-rich, Vietnam has the ability and proper infrastructure to strengthen mining and exploration of other nations too. TT can undoubtedly take advantage of these newly found relations.
Read More: Troubled by Biden, Trinidad and Tobago has decided to explore other options
Swaying away from the west
Trinidad and Tobago and Vietnam both have a long history of conflict with the US as both of them have deeply harbored feelings of being betrayed by the USA.
In 2020, as TT sent oil shipments to Venezuela, the USA was about to sanction the nation. American drilling companies, on the other hand, never stop at acquiring nearly every energy field, giving TT only a few tiny barrels or consignments while keeping the majority for themselves.
Vietnam is not an exception. Since the Vietnam War, there is a strong sense of animosity in the country. The situation has gotten worse under Biden. As Vietnam overtakes China in the labor market, US has accused the country of using forced labor and currency manipulation.
Read More: Vietnam’s bold message to its businesses—Cut off your ties with US
Both Vietnam and TT have too many similarities and now, they both have an inked relationship for the first time in centuries. Vietnam wants to conjoin with TT as it seeks to expand energy and other collaboration with each other. A new Eastern nation is motivated to rise? Let’s wait and watch how things fold out.
