PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng talks with Italian counterpart

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng in talks with his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi - Photo: VNGOVNet

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng expressed his gladness to the recent improvements in the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries, particularly the two-way trade turnover exceeding US$ 1 billion for the first time in 2006. The Vietnamese PM stressed that, as a full WTO member on the path of deeper integration into the international economy, Vietnam always pays great attention to Italy and the EU and wishes Italian investors and enterprises to increase their presence in Vietnam as well as their greater engagement in the national cause of industrialization and modernization. Lauding Italy’s powerful support to Vietnam in culture, education, science and technology, the Vietnamese leader suggested the two countries to deepen their cooperation in tourism, labor and vocational training as well, especially between localities. He said Vietnam highly appreciates Italy’s policy on its relations with Southeast Asia and wishes that the two countries can further collaboration on the ASEAN-EU relationship as well as big international fora like the UN and ASEM.

Italian President of the Council of Ministers Romano Prodi affirmed Italy attaches great importance to Vietnam’s role and position in Southeast Asia, saying he hopes Vietnam will be a bridge for Italy to enter the region. Stressing the necessity to boost the bilateral economic and trade relations, he pledged to encourage more of Italian economic groups to do business and expand their operation in Vietnam. Mr. Romano Prodi also expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Government will create good conditions and pay attention to Italian enterprises. He said Italy is willing to engage in more cooperation projects with Vietnam on developing small and medium enterprises, preserving cultural heritages, education and training, science and technology, and tourism.

By Xuân Hồng