PM hopes for 3 billion USD in Vietnam-Belgium trade
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has suggested Belgian Ambassador Paul Jansen contribute to raising trade turnover between Vietnam and Belgium to 3 billion USD in the time ahead.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Belgian Ambassador Paul Jansen (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has suggested BelgianAmbassador Paul Jansen contribute to raising trade turnover between Vietnam and Belgium to 3 billion USD in thetime ahead.
At a receptionfor the newly-accredited ambassador in Hanoion November 23, PM Phuc said the Vietnam-Belgium relationship has developedfruitfully across fields. However, the two-way trade at 2.3 billion USD in thefirst ten months of this year has yet to match potential and strength of eachside.
Recalling hisofficial visit to Belgiumlast October, the PM said outcomes of the visit will create a firm foundationfor strengthening the bilateral relations.
He expressed hishope to welcome the Belgian Prime Minister in Vietnam as soon as possible.
He toldAmbassador Jansen that Vietnam has actively prepared for the EU-Vietnam FreeTrade Agreement (EVFTA) and called on Belgium to back the signing andratification of the deal.
PM Phuc said hebelieves that with his diplomatic experience, the ambassador will makecontributions to the relations between Vietnam and Belgium during his tenure inthe Southeast Asian nation.
For his part,Ambassador Jansen described PM Phuc’s visit to Belgium as a milestone in thebilateral ties, especially in the context of the two countries reaching anagreement on the establishment of a strategic partnership in agriculture, helpingpromote a quality and high-tech agricultural sector in Vietnam and boost Vietnam’sexports to Belgium.
Belgian firmswant to expand investment and seek new opportunities in Vietnam, hesaid, suggesting the Vietnamese Government exempt visa for Belgian citizens inorder to bolster tourism cooperation and cultural exchange between the twocountries.
The diplomat alsovoiced his wish that Vietnamand Belgiumwill provide mutual support and coordinate with each other in such areas aspeacekeeping and climate change combat.
Belgium alwayssupports Vietnam’s participation in the EVFTA, saying this would help Vietnam derive substantial strategic and economicbenefits brought about by the deal.-VNA
Belgium was one of the first Western countries to set up diplomatic relations with Vietnam following the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. From then on, the bilateral relations have been strengthen.
Belgium’s lower house of parliament backs expanding cooperation with Vietnam at all levels, said President of the Chamber of Representatives Siegfried Bracke when meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Brussels on October 17.
Vietnam and Belgium’s Wallonie-Bruxelles region signed cooperation minutes for the 2019-2021 period in Brussels on November 21, covering a total of 25 projects, as part of the 10th meeting of the Vietnam – Wallonie-Bruxelles Joint Committee.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Belgian Ambassador Paul Jansen (Photo: baochinhphu.vn) 
