Deputy PM Minh and Swedish Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree on May 7 attended the Viet Nam-Sweden Business Forum in Ha Noi. 

Speaking at the event, Minh asserted that Viet Nam always respects support and assistance of the Swedish Royal Family, Government and people for the nation’s socio-economic development and poverty reduction as well as soon realization of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. 

The two nations’ relations have turned into a new stage on the basis of fair partnership and Sweden has become a crucial and trusted partner of Viet Nam in the EU, he said.  

The two-way trade turnover hit US$1.5 billion in 2018. Sweden has poured US$364 million in 67 projects in Viet Nam, ranking 34th among 130 nations and territories investing in the nation. 

Viet Nam’s economy has been improved in an opener manner with a more transparent and sustainable policy and legal system and continues to be an attractive destination for investors all over the world in general and from the EU and Sweden in particular, he affirmed. 

Deputy PM Minh and Swedish Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree attends
the Viet Nam-Sweden Business Forum in Ha Noi, May 7, 2019 - Photo: VGP

Viet Nam-Sweden economic cooperation is suitable with the trade freedom trend and the close economic connectivity of Europe and the dynamic development of the Asia-Pacific region. 

Viet Nam advocates free trade, respects international laws and multi-lateral trade institutions and closely connects with global and regional economies, especially the realization of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership and the enhancement of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). 

The Vietnamese Deputy PM expressed his hope that Swedish enterprises at the forum will be enthusiastic at opportunities brought by the EVFTA, suggesting the Swedish Government and businesses continue raise their strong voice to accelerate the signing and approval of the EVFTA, for the sake of both sides. 

He expected that the two nations’ enterprises will actively exchange to comprehend their investment environments and cooperative potentials, thus promoting partnership connectivity between their business communities in the time ahead. 

The Viet Nam-Sweden Business Forum was co-organized by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Swedish Embassy in Viet Nam on the occasion of the Swedish Crown Princess's official visit to Viet Nam and the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh (L) hosts a reception for Swedish Crown Princess
 Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree, Ha Noi, May 7, 2019 - Photo: VGP

*The same day, Deputy PM, FM Minh hosted a reception for Swedish Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree. 

At the meeting, the two sides exchanged comments from the two nations’ enterprises to promote relations in fields of trade, investment, education, telecommunications and smart urban areas. 

Minh expressed his hope that the Swedish business delegation will sign a number of agreements and contracts with the Vietnamese partners, making contributions to boosting bilateral trade and investment.