    |
 |
| PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc receiving Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Charlotte Laursen |
Congratulating the ambassador on
fulfilling her tasks, PM Phuc noted with satisfaction the progress in the
Vietnam-Denmark comprehensive partnership in all priority areas, which was
greatly contributed by Ambassador Laursen.
Bilateral trade is developing
positively, surpassing USD 600 million in 2016, he noted, adding that the
countries are also promoting cooperation in culture, health care, education,
and energy, including wind power – a field that Denmark has strength in.
To help boost Vietnam’s connections with Denmark and the EU, he asked Denmark to push for the early
signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
He also thanked the Danish
Government for creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese people in the
country, which has also contributed to the sound relationship.
Although a number of encouraging
cooperation outcomes have been reaped, they haven’t been on par with potential,
the PM said, expressing his hope that the two sides will expand cooperation in
many spheres, especially the fields that Denmark
is strong at and Vietnam
has demand in.
He suggested that the countries organize
regular mutual visits, especially at high levels, to foster bilateral
cooperation.
PM Phuc said he hopes with her
experience, the ambassador will continue to support Vietnam-Denmark relations.
He reiterated that Vietnam
treasures ties with Denmark,
an important partner of the country in North Europe.
For her part, Ambassador Laursen
thanked PM Phuc, the Vietnamese Government, ministries and sectors for
providing favorable conditions for her to fulfill tasks during her second term
in Vietnam.
She also expressed her delight at Vietnam’s socio-economic
development and the thriving bilateral relations, including the establishment
of a comprehensive partnership.
She noted that bilateral trade is
growing well and about 130 Danish companies are now present in Vietnam.
Danish businesses are strong in various fields, and many of them want to engage
in trade and retail activities in Vietnam.
The ambassador said Vietnam is
facing challenges in some sectors, which are the spheres Denmark has strength
in such as green growth, environment, energy, and food. The diplomat said she
hopes the two countries will promote affiliation in the coming time. Meanwhile,
the cooperation in energy should be expanded to businesses, aside from their
ministries and sectors.
Laursen also highlighted
collaboration opportunities in labor, culture, health care, and education.
She pledged to continue supporting
Vietnam-Denmark relations in the future.
Source: VNA