German Chancellor Angela Merkel: Germany backs Viet Nam-EU FTA
(VNA - 12/10/2011) - Germany supports Viet Nam’s bids to enhance comprehensive cooperation with the European Union (EU), win EU recognition as a market economy and negotiate the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with the EU.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel made this statement at the Viet Nam-Germany Economic Forum in Ho Chi Minh City on Oct. 12.
Merkel said that Germany pledged to maintain ODA to Viet Nam, focusing on areas such as sustainable development, environment, healthcare and vocational training.
She expressed her optimism about the prospect of bilateral economic ties between Germany and Viet Nam, saying that both countries want to increase economic cooperation and boost bilateral trade.
German businesses are keen to invest in the long term in many fields in Viet Nam, especially in infrastructure and human resource development, she said.
Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai affirmed that the Vietnamese Government attaches importance to strengthening and developing cooperation with Germany.
Hai noted that economic cooperation between Viet Nam and Germany has developed significantly in recent years, with two-way trade reaching 4.1 billion USD last year.
However, he said, German investment in Viet Nam remains modest. At present, Germany has invested in 167 projects capitalised at 850 million USD in Viet Nam, ranking 24 th out of 92 countries and territories investing in the country.
Hai said he believed the forum and Merkel’s visit to Viet Nam will open up new opportunities to further promote economic cooperation between the two countries.
Themed, “Joint Opportunities through Sustainable Development”, the event focused its discussion on planning and sustainable urban development, sustainable industrial production and sustainable investment.
The same day, Chancellor Merkel met with Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Le Hoang Quan.
Chairman Quan spoke highly of her visit to Viet Nam, which marked the elevation of bilateral relations to strategic partnership level.
He also thanked the German government for its support to the city’s important projects, including the first phase of the metro line No. 2 project which is underway.
Speaking highly of the dynamic and strong growth of HCM City as Viet Nam’s largest economic centre, Merkel affirmed that HCM City is a destination in Viet Nam where Germany wants to increase cooperation.
The German Chancellor also shared challenges faced by the city during the socio-economic development process, especially in infrastructure and urban transport. She said she hoped German-funded projects like metro line No.2 and German House will bring good results.
On the afternoon the same day, Merkel departed from Ho Chi Minh City, concluding her visit to Viet Nam from Oct. 11-12 at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung./.
Themed, “Joint Opportunities through Sustainable Development”, the event focused its discussion on planning and sustainable urban development, sustainable industrial production and sustainable investment.
The same day, Chancellor Merkel met with Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Le Hoang Quan.
Chairman Quan spoke highly of her visit to Viet Nam, which marked the elevation of bilateral relations to strategic partnership level.
He also thanked the German government for its support to the city’s important projects, including the first phase of the metro line No. 2 project which is underway.
Speaking highly of the dynamic and strong growth of HCM City as Viet Nam’s largest economic centre, Merkel affirmed that HCM City is a destination in Viet Nam where Germany wants to increase cooperation.
The German Chancellor also shared challenges faced by the city during the socio-economic development process, especially in infrastructure and urban transport. She said she hoped German-funded projects like metro line No.2 and German House will bring good results.
On the afternoon the same day, Merkel departed from Ho Chi Minh City, concluding her visit to Viet Nam from Oct. 11-12 at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung./.
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