Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Do Minh Hung has come together with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to sign a Protocol that amends the Air Transport Agreement, in an effort to bolster co-operation in the aviation sector, including a plan to open direct flights to promote trade and tourism between the two countries.

Aircraft of the national Israeli airline El Al (Source: Reuters)

During the course of their meeting held on December 21, Ambassador Hung also discussed some other key points of collaboration between both sides with Foreign Minister Ashkenazi, particularly continued co-ordination to organise negotiations for the Vietnam-Israel Trade Agreement. This is in addition to starting negotiations on agreements related to bilateral labour co-operation, especially in terms of the agricultural sector.

Despite the ongoing impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic throughout the year, two-way trade turnover between the two nations has still recorded an impressive figure of US$1.3 billion, representing an annual increase.

If the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control ahead in 2021, two-way trade exchanges look set to continue to record high growth.

Furthermore, opening a direct air route can be viewed as removing one of the major obstacles that prevents bilateral trade from developing and fulfilling its potential.

The Protocol to revise the Air Transport Agreement between both sides will facilitate the promotion of direct flights moving forward whilst offering support for businesses in exploring trade opportunities in their respective nations.