Vietnam, Netherlands strengthen relations
(VOV) - The second Holland Village, scheduled for November 2013, will offer an opportunity for Vietnamese people to learn more about Dutch businesses, cuisine, and culture.
Dutch Consul General Simon Van der Burg, made the statement at a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands in HCM City on May 16.
Van der Burg said the two nations’ relationship has been consolidated through the provision of foreign aid and trade support and investment. Business opportunities have proliferated as the Vietnamese investment climate has improved. He expressed confidence that the relationship between the two nations will continue to expand in the time to come.
HCM City People’s Committee Vice President Nguyen Thi Hong also expressed delight at the 40th anniversary celebration, saying that the Netherlands is among the leading EU provider of non-refundable aid to Vietnam. The country has operated 160 projects in Vietnam with a total registered investment capital of roughly US$6 billion.
Two-way trade turnover has increased from US$1.68 billion in 2009 to US$3.2 billion in 2012. The Netherlands is now one of HCM City’s five largest trade partners.
An official inter-metropolitan relationship between HCM City and Rotterdam was established in 2009 and is particularly close in projects concerning water, the environment, and climate change.