PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal Teresa Ribeiro (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested that Vietnam andPortugal continue promoting their traditional relationship that started 500years ago since the first Portuguese arrived in Vietnam.
He gave areception for Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal TeresaRibeiro in Hanoi on November 23.
The PMexpressed his hope that the two sides will exchange their business delegationsto explore each other’s investment cooperation opportunities.
He alsocalled on Portugal to push the European Union to sign and ratify the EU –Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to facilitate the economic-trade relationsbetween the two countries.
Vietnam –Portugal trade exchange stood at 350 million USD in 2016, the PM said, notingthat the figure is below the two countries’ potential.
For herpart, the Portuguese Secretary said on the occasion of the 40th anniversary ofthe diplomatic ties between the two countries and 500 years of first Portuguesearrival in Vietnam, the two sides have signed a number of agreements andcontinue realising these documents, with focus on economic and trade relations.
ThePortuguese side has discussed with Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning andInvestment about measures to promote economic cooperation, she said, affirmingthat Portuguese firms will be interested in Vietnam, particularly in tourismand building hotels, renewable energy, and water management.
Sheexpressed her belief that the EVFTA will be signed in 2018, opening up a newchapter for Vietnam – Portugal relationship.-VNA
VNA
