Khiem was speaking at a reception for DED director general Dr Juergen Wilhelm, who was in Ha Noi to attend the DED's Asian regional three-day conference, which concludes today.

The Deputy Prime Minister informed the guest that Viet nam had taken large strides in science and technology, particularly in mechanics, and affirmed that such achievements were made possible in part by the DED's assistance.

He said he wished for a successful conference and expressed his hope that the DED would boost its development programme to Viet Nam as a result of the meeting.

Wilhelm expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's achievements and for the pace of its science and technology development, compared with what he knew about the country 30 years ago.

He added that this working visit would help him and the DED to learn more about Vieät Nam's development.

It was also a chance for him to grasp the operational efficiency of German organisations in Viet Nam in order to strengthen the co-operative relations between the two nations (VNA)./.