Prime Minister asks for raising Viet Nam-Portugal trade to US$1 bln
VGP - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for enhancing close coordination and taking huge advantages brought by the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to soon raise Viet Nam-Portugal trade value to US$1 billion in the upcoming time.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Foreign Minister of Portugal Joao Gomes Cravinho, Ha Noi, January 18, 2023 - Photo: VGP
The Vietnamese Government chief made the statement during his reception for Foreign Minister of Portugal Joao Gomes Cravinho in Ha Noi on Wednesday.
The Vietnamese Government always attaches importance to the friendship and traditional relations with Portugal, reiterated the Prime Minister.
Pham expressed his hope that the Portuguese diplomat's official visit to Viet Nam would help expand and strengthen Viet Nam-Portugal cooperation across all potential areas, for the sake of both countries and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
He suggested the two sides promote delegation exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level ones to increase understandings and political trust as well as take advantage of mechanisms to foster collaboration in other sectors.
The host emphasized the need to reinforce close coordination and mutual support at multi-lateral forums and international organizations, making active contributions to addressing regional and global issues.
Pham asked Portugal to create favorable conditions for Viet Nam's farm produce to get access to its market.
He took the occasion to recommend Portugal soon approve the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement to facilitate fair and win-win cooperation and urge the European Commission to early remove "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood exports.
For his part, Joao Gomes Cravinho pledged to accelerate cooperation with Viet Nam in spheres of marine economy, maritime, renewable energy, circular economy and digital transformation.
He vowed to continue carrying out contents of the Viet Nam-Portugal tourism cooperation agreement, share experience in tourism and sports, and promote negotiations on a labor cooperation agreement.
The Portuguese Foreign Minister voiced his support for proposal of the Vietnamese Prime Minister in boosting cooperation in climate change adaption, in a bid to help Viet Nam realize its commitments at the COP 26.
Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety of aviation and navigation in the East Sea and handling disputes via peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea./.
