(VOVworld)- Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung began an official visit to Belgium, the EU and Germany on Sunday to strengthen Vietnam’s comprehensive cooperation with its EU partners, especially in economics. The trip reflects Vietnam’s determination to boost international integration and contribute to global issues.
PM Nguyen Tan Dung (L) and EC President Manuel Barroso.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visits to Belgium, the EU and Germany are made at the invitation of Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, President of the European Commission Manuel Baroso and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This is one of Vietnam’s major diplomatic initiatives this year.
Economic cooperation spotlighted in Vietnam- Belgium ties
Over the past few years, Vietnam and Belgium have strengthened thhier cooperation in a number of fields. Bilateral trade increased rapidly, reaching 1.8 billion USD in 2013, 17% higher than in 2012. In the first half of this year, trade reached 1.2 billion USD. Belgium’s direct investment into Vietnam totalled more than 155 million USD. Vietnam is the only Asian country to receive official development assistance from Belgium- about 78 million USD for the 2011-15 period. The two countries plan to increase cooperation in seaport infrastructure, logistic services, transportation, green and high technology, health care, education and development assistance. Vietnam, Germany Strategic Action Plan in place
Germany is one of the 6 EU countries that have strategic partnerships with Vietnam. Two-way trade between Vietnam and Germany in the first half of this year reached 3.6 billion USD. As of August, Germany’s direct investment in Vietnam is worth 1.25 billion USD with more than 230 projects focused on equipment manufacturing, energy, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Germany pledged to grant Vietnam 100 million USD worth of development assistance for the 2014 - 2015 period with environment, energy, and vocational training being the three top priorities. Chu Tuan Cap is former Deputy Foreign Minister and Vice President of the Vietnamese- German Friendship Association: “The relationship between Vietnam and Germany has developed steadily. Most major German economic groups and many small and medium-sized enterprises have invested in Vietnam. Vietnamese enterprises have begun operation in Germany. As the largest economy in the EU, Germany is pushing the EU to recognize Vietnam’s market economy”.
Vietnam and Germany will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2015. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit will promote the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Action Plan and boost bilateral cooperation in labor, vocational training, and education.
Deepening Vietnam, EU cooperation
Vietnam and the European Union have effectively and comprehensively strengthened their ties. The two sides signed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and are moving toward the signing of a EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Two-way trade has increased between 15% and 20% annually. In the first six months of this year, two-way trade reached 17.5 billion USD, 13% higher than in 2013.
The EU has strengthened its role as Vietnam’s top trade and investment partner and development assistance provider. 23 out of 28 EU countries have invested in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of nearly 18.4 billion USD. The EU is Vietnam’s second largest ODA donor and biggest provider of non-refundable aid. Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and the EU Pham Sanh Chau said:“Vietnam has stepped up multi-faceted cooperation with the EU. The two sides have increased bilateral trade relations and transfer of technologies. More importantly, Vietnam has received ODA from the European Union”.
During his visit, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will discuss with EU leaders ways to increase bilateral cooperation, complete the negotiations of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and strengthen coordination at multi-lateral forums including the UN, ASEM and ASEAN-EU.