Mr.Krzysztof Szczerski also expressed that Poland supports Vietnam’s strengthening of ties with the European Union (EU) and will push for the signing of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement.
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh stressed that Vietnam treasures the development of friendship and long-standing cooperation with Poland.
Poland is now Vietnam’s largest trade partner in the Central Eastern Europe. Two-way trade in the first 10 months of this year hit 655 million USD, up 5 percent annually. In terms of investment, the European country now has 12 projects in Vietnam worth 138.8 million USD.
At the meeting, Mr. Pham Binh Minh suggested establishing an Inter-Governmental Committee on economic cooperation and signing a framework agreement on financial cooperation, under which Poland will supply a preferential credit package worth 250 million EUR to Vietnam.
Both sides shared the view on the thriving bilateral cooperation during the past 66 years and pledged to continue refining a legal framework for bilateral cooperation and signing cooperation agreements on customs, aviation, tertiary education and scientific research.
The two countries boast much more potential for partnerships in such spheres as food technology, textile - garment, machinery, medical equipment, medicine and construction. Mr. Pham Binh Minh reaffirmed that Vietnam will provide an optimal and safe environment for foreign investors, including those from Poland
On region and global issues of shared concern, Mr.Krzysztof Szczerskiaffirmed his support of Vietnam’s viewpoint on settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ensuring security, safety and freedom of maritime and aviation activities in the East Sea.
During the stay in Vietnam, the Polish Secretary of State held talks with Chairman of the Presidential Office Dao Viet Trung and visited several economic and cultural establishments in Hanoi. Mr.PhamBinh Minh agreed with Mr.Krzysztof Szczerski on closer liaison to prepare for the Vietnam visit by the Polish President next year.
