PM welcomes incoming German Ambassador
VGP - PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 1 in HaNoi hosted a reception for incoming German Ambassador to Viet Nam Christian Berger, during which he asked the ambassador to make practical contributions to bolstering the relations between the two countries.
August 02, 2016 9:30 AM GMT+7
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Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu |
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc spoke highly of Mr. Christian Berger’s initiatives and efforts to boost Viet Nam-Germany relations in a more effective manner, which, he said, have demonstrated the ambassador’s responsibilities in his work as well as his sentiments for Viet Nam.
Germany is Viet Nam’s leading trade partner in the European Union (EU), accounting for 19% of Viet Nam’s exports to the EU, PM Phuc said, adding that two-way trade reached nearly US$9 billion in 2015 (up 14% compared to 2014) and over US$4 billion in the first five months of 2016.
He expressed his wish that both countries would continue creating favorable conditions for their enterprises’ cooperative activities in the fields of economics and trade, moving towards the goal of reaching from US$15-20 billion in two-way trade turnover by 2020.
Viet Nam and Germany should accelerate cooperation in education and vocational training, including the Viet Nam-Germany University project, the PM suggested, asking Germany to support Viet Nam in building a project to enhance its vocational training capacity.
He agreed with the ambassador’s proposal to establish the Viet Nam-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VGCCI), saying that he will assign relevant agencies to work with the German side on the project.
He also pledged to accelerate the implementation of the Metro No. 2 project in Ho Chi Minh City, in which Germany is an investor.
For his part, Ambassador Christian Berger voiced his sympathy for Viet Nam’s suffering and losses caused by the recent typhoon Mirinae.
He spoke highly of PM Phuc’s guideline to strongly renovate institution and expected to further cooperation with Viet Nam in the field.
Germany is willing to boost ties with Viet Nam in vocational training, particularly between both sides’ vocational schools, the ambassador said, voicing his wish that the two countries would continue promoting implementation of key cooperation projects such as the Viet Nam-Germany University, the Metro No. 2 in HCM City and the establishment of the VGCCI, aiming to create an impetus to intensively further the bilateral strategic partnership.
The ambassador pledged to do his utmost to tighten bilateral relations in various fields, expressing hope that the Viet Nam – EU free trade agreement will soon be ratified, thus opening up new opportunities for the business community of the two countries and the two regions.
By Vien Nhu
