New cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese and Belgian businesses
VOV.VN - The Vietnamese economy has begun to burgeon in the post-pandemic period, offering numerous opportunities for businesses to increase mutual beneficial cooperation in the fields of their strength, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at a Vietnam – Belgium business forum in Brussels on December 15.
With the COVID-19 outbreak brought under control, Vietnam has maintained its macroeconomic stability, kept inflation in check, and guaranteed its major economic balances, he said.
The PM briefed participants on Vietnam’s economic scale, saying by the end of 2022, the economy is estimated at nearly US$400 billion in value, with per capita income reaching more than US$4,000. Notably, its trade value is projected to hit about US$750 billion, becoming one of the 20 leading economies in terms of international trade.
In addition, Vietnam has signed 15 free trade agreements with more than 60 countries and territories, including the largest markets in the world such the European Union.
According to the leader, Vietnam is building its socialist-oriented market economy, and in this process it does not trade environment, equity, social security for economic growth alone.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that Belgian and European businesses would continue to diversify products, markets and supply chains to promote efficient and sustainable production and business in Vietnam.
The government of Vietnam creates the best possible conditions for European businesses, including those from Belgium, to operate successfully in the country, he assured.
He suggested Belgian and European businesses to continue investing in Vietnam, with priority given to fields related to digital transformation, climate change response, green transformation, circular economy, knowledge economy, infrastructure development, logistics, high-tech and sustainable agriculture.
Meanwhile, the president of the Federation of Belgian Enterprises noted the trade ties between Vietnam and Belgium are growing significantly thanks to the enforcement of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in August 2020.
As the Belgian economy has a high level of openness, with more than 80% of GDP coming from exports, Belgium wants to strengthen cooperation with other countries, including Vietnam, he said.
He believed that bilateral cooperation, including in trade, would be promoted following the Vietnamese PM’s visit.
At the forum, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Princess of Belgium Astrid witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents between the ministries, agencies and enterprises of the two countries.