The key agreements will include a free trade agreement, an agreement on investment encouragement and protection, a double tax avoidance agreement, as well as agreements on cybersecurity and the fight against high-tech crime.

The two sides will exchange and introduce investment projects in potential areas such as telecommunications, digital transformation, cyber security, mining, production of industrial and consumer goods, farm product processing, civil engineering, infrastructure construction, education-training health care and tourism.  

The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on April 15 between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his visiting Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

They acknowledged positive developments in economic cooperation, including initial interest from Vietnamese businesses in investing in Ethiopia, but noted current cooperation remains disproportionate to the size and potential of the two economies, with a combined market of over 230 million people and among the fastest growing economies in their respective regions.

Chinh briefed his guest on the major developments in Vietnam’s socio-economic progress, and emphasized that the country is persistently implementing its “three strategic breakthroughs” in institutions, human resources, and strategic infrastructure. He underlined that, amid global economic fluctuations and trade tensions, Vietnam and Ethiopia should enhance dialogue and mutual understanding in order to continue diversifying markets and facilitating economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The leader affirmed that in its overall foreign policy, Vietnam always values its friendship with African countries, including Ethiopia. He praised the significant socio-economic achievements of the Ethiopian government and people, and expressed his confidence that Ethiopia would continue to successfully implement its “Homegrown Economic Reform” programme and become a bright spot in Africa’s economic reconstruction, with increasing stability and regional and global influence.

Abiy Ahmed Ali for his part expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, as well as its growing regional and global stature. He affirmed that Ethiopia considers Vietnam a foreign policy priority in Asia and wishes to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas where both sides have strengths and potential.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to further mutual support and collaboration at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Abiy Ahmed Ali expected that Vietnam would successfully the fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Hanoi on April 16-17.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to bridge relations between ASEAN and Ethiopia, and expected that Ethiopia would support Vietnam in strengthening cooperation with the African Union and other countries in Eastern Africa. He voiced Vietnam’s support for Ethiopia to host the 2027 P4G Summit.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of the East Sea and the Red Sea in international maritime, and agreed to resolve all disputes through peaceful means in line with international law.

After the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields of trade, and education-training.

Vietnam values friendship, cooperation with Ethiopia, says Party leader

VOV.VN - Vietnam always values the friendship and cooperation with African countries, including Ethiopia, Party General Secretary To Lam told visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali during a reception in Hanoi on April 15.