Addressing 250 participants at the event, Mr. Phuc said he agreed with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Maxim Akimov’s proposal to boost bilateral cooperation in e-government, smart city, digital economy, and heavy industry like combustible ice mining. Mr. Phuc said: “Two-way trade of nearly 6 billion USD is below our cooperation potential. So, this meeting opens a new chapter for Vietnam-Russia cooperation to thrive, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, and service. I will meet the Russian leaders to strengthen bilateral cooperation and the cooperation guidelines will be implemented by businesses.”

Deputy Prime Minister Akimov said Vietnam is Russia’s key partner in Southeast Asia with bilateral trade value accounting for one third of total trade value between Russia and ASEAN. Vietnam is the first country the Eurasian Economic Union has signed a free trade agreement with, Mr. Akimov said.