At a reception in Hanoi on Friday for newly-accredited Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Ann Mawe, Mr. Phuc said that two-way trade of 1.5 billion USD in 2018 and 1.2 billion USD by the end of September 2019 was modest compared to the two countries’ potential. He suggested that the Ambassador promote trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden. He also expressed his hope that more big groups of Sweden will increase investment cooperation with Vietnam.

The Swedish Ambassador suggested that in addition to aviation and other areas, both countries strengthen cooperation in innovation, which many Swedish businesses are specialized in.

 Also on Friday, hosting French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery, Prime Minister Phuc welcomed France for implementing projects in environment, particularly climate change in Vietnam. He said Vietnam is ready to work with France in environmental protection, trade, investment, and aviation.

The French Ambassador said France supports the ratification of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement and is taking measures to push for early ratification by the European Parliament. He added that France wants to work with Vietnam in economics, defense, security, education, health care, and culture.