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National Assembly Chairman’s activities in Belgium

VGP - National Assembly Chairman Nguyễn Sinh Hùng expressed his hope for continued development in relationships between the European Union (EU) and Việt Nam during his meeting with the European Council (EC) President Herman Van Rompuy in Brussels on December 7.

December 07, 2011 9:51 PM GMT+7

National Assembly Chairman Nguyễn Sinh Hùng (L) and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, Brussels, December 7 – Photo: VNA

At the meeting, Mr. Hùng informed the EC President of his productive meeting with members of the European Parliament and asked for his continued support in boosting relations between Việt Nam and the EU in socio-economic development, poverty reduction and environmental protection.

EC President Van Rompuy recognized Việt Nam’s socio-economic progress and was delighted at the completion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. He also supported both sides' pushing ahead for negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement.

Earlier, Mr. Hùng co-chaired the Việt Nam-Belgium Business Forum with Belgium Secretary of State Mark Eyskens which attracted more than 200 businesses.

Speaking at the forum, Chairman Hùng said that after 25 years of economic renovation policy, the country has achieved remarkable progress in poverty reduction and maintained a consistent average growth rate of 6-7%.

The country has also implemented effective measures to curb inflation and maintain social and macroeconomic stability, he added.

Mr. Hùng called on businesses from Belgium and the EU to increase investment in Việt Nam and stressed that the country will always provide preferable policies for foreign investors, along with a young and dynamic labor workforce.

Eyskens agreed that businesses from both countries can further cooperate in technological advancement, environmental protection, and dealing with climate change. Belgium businesses have always considered Việt Nam to have a promising and stable investment environment, he said.

During this visit, Mr. Hùng also met with EU Trade Commissioner Karen De Gucht, President of the Belgian Senate Sabine de Bethune and Minister-President of Flanders, Kris Peeters.

National Assembly Chairman Hùng and his delegation left Brussels, wrapping up his official visit to the European Parliament and Belgium. /.