Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh (left) and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen. (Photo: VNA)Tel Aviv (VNA) - Vietnam and Israelhave agreed to strengthen their cooperation during the second meeting of theVietnam-Israel inter-governmental committee for cooperation in economy,science, technology and other areas.
The information was released by VietnameseMinister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh, who co-chaired the meeting,during an interview with Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Tel Aviv,Israel, on the sidelines of the event.
The two sides noted with satisfaction thealready fruitful cooperation between the two countries, with two-way tradeincreasing significantly during 2010-2016, he said.
They also began negotiations for a freetrade agreement with three meetings and are preparing for the next round, hesaid, noting Israel has recognised Vietnam’s market economic status.
Both agreed that Vietnam and Israel hold alot of potential for cooperation as the two economies are reciprocal.
At the meeting, they agreed to work togetherto raise bilateral trade to 3 billion USD as agreed by the two countries’leaders and accelerate the signing of the trade deal, while seeking anagreement on labour cooperation.
The two sides also set forth measures toimplement a financial protocol.
Israel said the country stands ready toshare its experience in launching and promoting start-ups.
They also agreed on measures to step upcooperation in technology, agriculture, navigation and development.
Anh said Vietnam and Israel will mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2018 and the two sides will coordinateto implement cooperation programmes for the interests of each side.
According to the minister, during his tripto Israel, the two countries’ ministries of science and technology signed amemorandum of understanding on scientific and technological cooperation.
Vietnam’s National Technology InnovationFund and the Israel Innovation Authority signed an agreement and will employmeasures to call for joint projects and technology innovation projects.
Anhnoted his hope that with Israel’s potential in technology, especiallyhigh-tech, and Vietnam’s capacity and preparations, bilateral scientific and technologicalcooperation will further develop.-VNA
