VOV.VN - Norway is a trustworthy partner of Vietnam, with bilateral relations growing steadily over the years, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while receiving Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Grete Lochen in Hanoi on May 14.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Grete Lochen

Vietnam desires to cooperate with Norway in marine and ocean economy, including the issue of plastic waste, which matches Norway’s strengths, PM Phuc said, adding that the two countries have carried out numerous effective cooperation activities across multiple fields following the visit to Vietnam by the Norwegian PM in 2015.

The newly-accredited Ambassador Lochen said she hopes the Vietnam-Norway ties will grow and flourish during her working tenure in Vietnam.

Both nations share viewpoints on sustainable development, education, and cooperation in marine and ocean economy, including plastic waste related issue.

The Vietnamese government leader highlighted the huge potential for stronger bilateral cooperation, citing that the Nordic nation currently run only 41 projects worth US$41 million.

He asked the Norwegian ambassador to work closely Vietnamese relevant agencies to further foster the bilateral trade and investment partnership while hoping that the two countries will strengthen all-level delegation exchange so as to create a premise for broader cooperation between their businesses.

He suggested that the Norwegian diplomat hold more activities to help enterprises seek business investment cooperation opportunities, focusing on the areas of Norway’s strengths such as shipbuilding, mineral, oil and gas, wind power, wood processing, information communication, science-technology, and the environment.

Phuc called on Norwegian businesses to cooperate with Vietnamese partners in trade and bring Vietnamese farm produce to the Northern European country.

He asked Norway to urge the EU to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), considering this a great opportunity for stronger cooperation between the two countries and especially for businesses.

The Vietnamese government leader proposed that Norway take measures to support the effective implementation of this agreement for mutual benefits.

Besides economic cooperation, Vietnam is keen to boost cross-cultural exchanges and tourism, he said and urged both nations to augment cooperation in education and training, especially between universities.

The Norwegian ambassador proposed boosting collaboration in sea-based economy and aquaculture, saying Norwegian businesses wish to collaborate with Vietnamese firms in energy, solar power, oil and gas.

She said she hopes that relevant Vietnamese agencies will offer the best possible conditions for bilateral cooperation in the aforementioned realms.

In reply, PM Phuc affirmed the Vietnamese Government’s willingness to provide optimal conditions for Norwegian businesses to invest in Vietnam.