Friendship Association President hails Vietnam’s external policy

According to Gréga, the Vietnamese multilateral and open foreign policy has helped the country to establish relations with more than 100 partners worldwide. It has also signed many co-operation deals and free trade agreements (FTAs), including the EU-Vietnam FTA, thereby creating a driving force for the local economy

The nation has also maintained balanced relations with powers globally, as well as friendly ties with its neighbours, he said,  emphasising that the country has affirmed its position in the international arena. This has been done while holding the posts of ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020 to 2021 tenure.

These achievements have duly been recognised by the international community, Gréga added.

He went on to suggest that the nation step up diplomatic efforts and investments in Africa, saying that the country could gain an important foothold in the region within the South-South co-operation framework as it already had many partners in this framework, thus providing opportunities to expand cooperation.

Regarding the Vietnamese policy of Doi Moi (Reform) that was first launched back in 1986, Gréga said the policy had facilitated the development of the market economy domestically.

This is represents an initial, important step towards the opening of the domestic agricultural sector and State-owned enterprises, he said, adding that the open economy has contributed to attracting foreign investments to the Vietnamese market.

The reform has also enabled the country to integrate well into the world, along with the global economy, he went on to say.

It is therefore worth noting that the nation has continued pursuing socialism and managed to maintain the balance between economic development and socialism, with the State playing a crucial role in regulating the market, according to Gréga.

He went on to state that the socialist-oriented economy with a good structure is an effective tool for the country, especially given potential risks caused by the global economy.

In his role as president of the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association, Gréga pledged to support the nation in the political field whilst continuing to promote the role as being a bridge between both Vietnam and Belgium. Indeed, he will support the Vietnamese side politically to enhance exchanges between the Vietnamese and Belgian legislatures and governments as a way of stepping up co-operation between the two countries in the most effective way possible.

Moving forward, 2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of both nations’ diplomatic relations, with the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association gearing up for this event.