The two foreign ministers inaugurated a new Chancery of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Dhaka yesterday following bilateral talks to strengthen collaborations in trade, investment, cultural and scientific fields.

The Chancery was opened commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Hanoi and Dhaka.

The Vietnamese foreign minister flew in Dhaka on Wednesday and had had talks with the prime minister, foreign minister and business representatives. Nguyen leaves Dhaka today.

Vietnamese art and cultural festivities dominated many events in the city during the weeklong commemoration of the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two Asian nations.

Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognise Bangladesh and had supported Bangladesh's liberation struggle wholeheartedly as a Cold War era ally of the Soviet Union.

"We are taking our relationship to a new height from today," said Nguyen Dy Nien during his Chancery inauguration speech. He added, "Bilateral trade will increase from now on."

Morshed said Vietnam was one of the first countries to open its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in the early 1970s.

The two peoples also have had the common experience of painful liberation struggles against foreign occupiers. Insinuating at Vietnam's struggle for national independence, Morshed said, "The two nations are proud of their history, struggle and successes.

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Khan also praised Vietnam's seven per cent GDP growth in 2002, which was second next to China in South East Asia.

A central player in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam earlier endorsed his support for Bangladesh's entry into the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Observers believe Bangladesh's 'Look East' policy has received a positive boost in recent days due to the encouraging responses it has received from the US, Myanmar, India and Vietnam.

The quartet is considered key players in the ASEAN and all of their foreign ministers have had a round of visit to Dhaka during the last weeks.

The Chancery inaugural ceremony was attended among others by the state minister for foreign affairs Riaz Rahman and Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.