Porto and the North of Portugal traveled to Vietnam in early January on a visit marked by various meetings and strategic encounters.

The mission was clear: to strengthen ties and pave the way for a future direct flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Porto. Over the course of two days, bridges were built between the two territories, both rich in culture and history, with strong ties to Portugal yet still largely unexplored. Did you know that the first Vietnamese dictionary was written by a Portuguese person? Yes, it was the Jesuit priest Francisco de Pina, who also contributed to the creation of the first Latinized writing system for the Vietnamese language, which later became the basis for the modern Vietnamese alphabet.

In Hanoi, the President of Porto and the North of Portugal took part in meetings with the Ministry of Tourism and VietJet Aviation, advancing plans for a future direct flight. One highlight was the meeting with the future Vietnamese Ambassador to Portugal, laying the groundwork for deeper diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations. Additionally, productive discussions with Bishop Daminh Hoang Minh Tien explored the immense potential of Religious Tourism, seizing opportunities to engage Vietnam’s 10 million Catholic citizens.

At the Vietnam National University, discussions focused on creating synergies between tourism and academic exchange, establishing the foundation for long-term collaboration.

"This visit aimed primarily to create opportunities for the region. This journey is just beginning, but we were the first to take this step, a fact duly recognized by various authorities. I believe we will reap the rewards of this initiative!" stated Luís Pedro Martins.

Why Vietnam? With a market of 98 million people, Vietnam represents a great opportunity to showcase the unique attractions of Porto and the North of Portugal, including Wine Tourism, Gastronomy, Golf, Nautical Experiences, Cultural Heritage, Business Tourism, and, of course, Religious Tourism. According to all analysts, Vietnam is set to become the next "Asian Tiger."