(VOVWORLD) - Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim is on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to develop relations between the two countries. The leaders will discuss measures to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, transportation, education, training and tourism.
 Rice is one of Vietnam's export staples |
Vietnam and Turkey have enjoyed a good relationship since the establishment of their diplomatic ties.
Good relationship in many sectors
Most of the Republic of Turkey is located in Asia. A small part lies in Europe. Turkey, with a population of more than 80 million people, is the 17th biggest economy in the world and is enjoying strong economic growth. Turkey’s advantages include abundant natural resources and a developed mining industry. It’s the world’s top chromium producer - 900,000 tons annually – among other minerals. Turkey is the gateway through which Vietnamese export products enter the Middle East and the EU.
Vietnam and Turkey established their diplomatic relations on June 7, 1978. In 1997, Turkey established an embassy in Hanoi. Vietnam opened a Trade Representative Office in Istanbul in 1999 and a Consulate General also in Istanbul one year later. The Consulate General was upgraded to an embassy and moved to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, in 2003.
Turkey is the leading trade partner of Vietnam in the Middle East. Last year, two-way trade totaled 1.5 billion USD. Vietnam exports to Turkey rice, rubber, garments, textiles, footwear, electronic devices, and fine art. Turkey’s exports steel, iron, construction materials, cotton, chemicals, and automobile parts. Turkish firms have 15 projects worth 704 million USD in Vietnam, ranking 26th among foreign investors. In June, 2016, Turkish Airlines opened a direct air route between Istanbul and Hanoi, with 7 flights per week. The two countries have signed agreements on aviation, maritime transportation and double tax avoidance.
At the 7th meeting of the Vietnam-Turkey Join-Committee on Economics and Trade in Hanoi last month, the two agreed to support each other at international forums, increase delegation exchanges, and diversify diplomatic activities.
Vietnam and Turkey intend to raise bilateral trade revenue to 4 billion USD by 2020 and step up cooperation in investment, customs, quality standards, energy, food processing, and construction.
The visit opens new cooperation opportunities
Turkey’s external policy emphasizes improving relations with ASEAN countries. Vietnam gives priority to strengthening cooperation with Turkey because it has been a reliable partner and provide Vietnam access to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.