Vietnam
is ready to work with the Republic of Korea (RoK) to effectively implement the
bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), boosting their trade to 70 billion VND,
even 100 billion USD, by 2020.
 |
Prime
Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and RoK Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se - Photo:
VNA
|
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan
Phuc made the remark while meeting with RoK Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who
is on an official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on March 20.
The RoK is currently the top
foreign investor, the second biggest ODA provider and the third trade partner
of Vietnam. Cooperation in diplomacy, security, defence, science-technology,
agriculture, culture, and education along with locality-to-locality partnership
has been increasingly intensified.
Repeating the outcomes of
the recent phone talks with Acting RoK President Hwang Kyo-Ahn, the PM said the
two sides agreed to effectively carry out cooperation mechanisms, especially
the Vietnam – RoK FTA so as to bring economic and trade ties to a new height.
Vietnam is string to build a
development facilitating and action-oriented Government, reform administrative
procedures, improve the business climate, and promote the national
competitiveness. It will create the best possible conditions for foreign
enterprises, including RoK firms, to do business, he noted.
PM Phuc suggested RoK
companies enhance investment in Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure,
renewable energy, and high technology. They were also recommended to import
more goods that Vietnam has advantages such as agricultural and aquacultural
products and assist the country to take part in global supply chains.
At the meeting, the host
leader underlined that the Vietnamese Government and people treasure the
strategic partnership with the RoK and want to reinforce all-round cooperation
for the sake of the two peoples and for regional and global peace and
stability.
He also highlighted the need
to increase exchanges in culture, education and, tourism and prepare for
activities to mark the 25th founding anniversary of the diplomatic
relationship later this year.
For his part, Foreign
Minister Yun said with their efforts, the two countries are completely capable
of boosting bilateral trade to 100 billion USD in the near future, thus turning
Vietnam into the third biggest trade partner of the RoK, only after the US and
China.
He applauded regular
people-to-people exchanges, noting that Vietnam accommodates the largest RoK
community among Southeast Asian nations.
The two sides should step up
high-ranking visits on the threshold of the 25th anniversary of
diplomatic ties, he said, adding that he looks towards an official visit to the
RoK by PM Phuc in 2017.
Aside from economy and
trade, the RoK also wants to cooperate with Vietnam in defence and security and
to tighten connections in multilateral and global issues, the official said.
Source:
VNA