Welcoming the Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, Hoan said that this is an important milestone in the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Slovenia in general, and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and the European nation in particular.

He reiterated that Vietnam always attaches importance to its friendship with Slovenia, and Ho Chi Minh City always considers the country as a potential partner. Although trade and investment between the two sides are currently not commensurate with aspirations, they can develop strongly in the coming time if businesses make good use of advantages of the E.U. - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

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Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Vo Van Hoan (right) presents a gift to Tanja Fajon, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.

Hoan appreciated Slovenia's achievements in the Smart Specialization Strategy and the Digital Slovenia Strategy along with progress in advanced digital technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), and proposed that the two sides enhance cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, logistics and maritime transportation.

The city leader pledged to create all favorable conditions for foreign businesses, including those from Slovenia, adding that the city will do its utmost to improve its investment environment to welcome Slovenian investors.

Tanja Fajon affirmed that her visit is a good chance for the two sides to strengthen mutual understanding and promote cooperation between the two business communities.

Slovenia always opens its door to Vietnamese businesses; and she is willing to introduce Vietnam’s investment opportunities to the Slovenian business community, the deputy PM said.

Appreciating the development potential of Ho Chi Minh City, the Slovenian Deputy PM said that many large Slovenian enterprises accompanying her this time will find useful information about cooperation opportunities in the fields that both sides have advantages and needs such as seaport development, digital transformation, smart city building and tourism.

Ho Chi Minh City and Slovenia can also share experience in green growth issues, through diversifying energy sources, and reducing emissions towards the goal of sustainable development, she added.

Source: VNA