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Gov’t chief receives outgoing Austrian Ambassador

VGP – PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception for outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Viet Nam Thomas Loidl on September 7 in Ha Noi.

September 08, 2017 7:59 AM GMT+7

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Viet Nam Thomas Loidl, Ha Noi, September 7, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

PM Phuc said that he was impressed by the tenure of the Ambassador in Viet Nam. Ambassador Thomas Loidl spared no effort to cement and deepen the bilateral ties and introduced a large number of Austrian investors to do business in Viet Nam. In addition, the cooperative ties have seen active growth in multiple fields, including politics – diplomacy, trade, investment, development cooperation, education – training, health care, culture, and others.

Statistics showed that last year the two-way trade turnover hit US$ 2.8 billion, up nearly 10% against that of 2015. So far, Austria emerged as the sixth largest importer of Viet Nam in Europe. Austria also had 28 valid FDI projects worth US$ 138 billion in Viet Nam. Austria ranked 39th out of 116 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.

However, according to PM Phuc, the US$ 2.8 billion trade turnover remained modest and failed to meet respective potentials.

Hence, PM Phuc recommended the two sides strengthen exchanges of visits, especially high-level ones and host the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The Government chief also suggested Austria push the EU to early sign and ratify the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which is expected to open up abundant opportunities for the two countries.

PM Phuc also took the occasion to extend thanks to the Government of Austria for its official development assistance (ODA) provision for Viet Nam, especially in railway, health care, vocational training, noting that projects using Austria’s ODA have been effectively carried out in Viet Nam, particularly in the remote and far-flung areas, contributing to improving the living condition of residents.

In return, the Austrian Ambassador said the Government of Austria always gives priority to promoting economic cooperation, trade and investment with Viet Nam.

A large number of Austrian businesses hope to boost long-term investment in the country, particularly in health care sector, he said, adding that the two countries have also seen fruitful cooperation in science-technology, culture, as well as people-to-people exchange.

The Austrian Government will continue providing ODA to Viet Nam in the future and help the country implement ODA projects in an effective manner.

The Ambassador affirmed that he will continue to help cement and deepen the bilateral ties./.

By Khanh Phuong