Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Italian leaders witnessed the signing of an MoU on friendly cooperation between Vinh Phuc province and Tuscany region in Florence, Italy, July 2023

The strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy, as well as the good sentiment, understanding and relationship between the two local governments, have facilitated and supported their bilateral cooperation. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership (2013-2023), Vinh Phuc and Tuscany agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of friendly cooperation to jointly promote cooperative activities for prosperous development.

Madam Hoang Thi Thuy Lan, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Mr. Eugenio Giani, President of Toscana Region, were the signatories of the MoU.

According to the MoU, Vinh Phuc province and Tuscany region will focus on strengthening their friendship and solidarity; establishing a framework for close cooperation between public-private partners in institutional, economic, social, cultural and scientific fields, which are areas of expertise and strength of each party; working together to reinforce relations and foster common development through comprehensive cooperation in accordance with the laws of each country and international treaties to which each country is a party. The two sides will build a long-term partnership based on mutual commitment and values to strengthen relations between citizens and organizations; implement joint projects; facilitate personal freedom of movement and exchange of ideas. They also agreed to take necessary measures for common development and cooperation expansion in specific fields. At the same time, they will promote exchanges and cooperation opportunities in areas of common interest such as investment attraction, trade promotion, education and training, health, culture, tourism, sports, urban planning, agriculture and high technology, and environmental protection.

Tuscany is a region in central Italy with an area of nearly 23,000 square kilometers and a population of roughly 3.8 million. Tuscany is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history and unique artistic legacies. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. This region also has a developed economy with major industries such as textile and garment, leather, footwear and clothing, agricultural products and foodstuffs, stone and marble, chemical and petroleum, mechanical engineering and software industry. Piaggio Group, which is currently investing in Vinh Phuc province, is headquartered in Tuscany.

Also at the ceremony, under the witness of Vietnamese and Italian leaders, Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy Lan presented the investment certificate on project expansion to Piaggio Group in Vinh Phuc province, enabling the group to expand its manufacturing and business in Vinh Phuc province and in Asia as well.

The MoU signing is an important milestone in the province’s integration and development process and a breakthrough step in its foreign relations, as it has established friendly relations and built a cooperation framework with a locality in a European country that has many cultural differences with the province. At the same time, it also opens the prospect of long-term and extensive cooperation between Vinh Phuc province and European partners in the future. This signing is also a step to realize the goal of the resolution of the 17th Provincial Party Congress (2020-2025 term) and contribute to the good relationship between Vietnam and Italy.