NA Chairman, PM call for strengthening ties with Malaysia

Malaysian Senate President Abdul Hamid Pawanteh revealed that his visit to Vietnam aimed to boost bilateral economic cooperation. According to him, to ensure a sustainable economic development, it is necessary to deal with not only growth but also distribution of its outcomes. Vietnam is working very well in this field, as proved by its social structure and poverty reduction index, he said. The Senate President also expressed Malaysia's wish to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in this sphere.

The Vietnamese Government and National Assembly leaders showed their pleasure at the well-developed friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia, especially in economy, trade and investment. Malaysian investors have realized hundreds of projects in Vietnam, with a total capital of US$2 billion. The two-way trade turnover increased by over 20% in 2006. The bilateral cooperation is increasingly promoted in culture, education and labor. Vietnam is facing difficulties in capital, technology and market experience so it wants to cooperate with all friends in the region and the world, including Malaysia, said the Vietnamese leaders.

Vietnam and Malaysia signed a framework agreement on comprehensive bilateral cooperation, which functions as an important legal foundation for the two countries to increase their economic ties in line with their potential. The Vietnamese leaders confirmed that Vietnam always wants to deepen multifaceted cooperation for mutual benefits with Malaysia.

Senate President Abdul Hamid Pawanteh asked the Vietnamese Government to facilitate Malaysian investors' engagement in power sector in Vietnam. Malaysia is capable to invest US$ 1.6 billion to build a power plant in Vietnam, he concluded.

By Hoàng Nguyên