Vietnam desires Austria to transfer COVID-19 vaccine production technology
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has suggested Austria transfer its redundant vaccines to Vietnam and cooperate in transferring COVID-19 vaccine production technology and treatment drug.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 16 held telephone talks with Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz, during which he congratulated Austria on its successful organization of the fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (WCSP5).
The Vietnamese Government chief went on to express his delight at the achievements of wide-ranging co-operation between both sides over the past half century, particularly following the establishment of diplomatic relations. He also affirmed that the country aspires to further deepen its close and trusted ties with Austria across multiple fields.
In response, the Austrian Chancellor said that Vietnam is a trustworthy and important partner in Southeast Asia, highlighting the great potential that exists for the development of mutual ties.
Both sides consented to resume delegation exchanges and hold high-level meetings soon, while improving co-operation mechanisms, including the Vietnam-Austria Joint Committee on economic and investment co-operation leading up to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2022.
The Vietnamese Government leader also proposed that the Austrian Government offer favourable conditions for Vietnamese aquatic products to enter the Austrian market. This is in addition to the swift adoption of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), along with pushing the European Commission to remove the yellow card placed on the Vietnamese fisheries sector.
With regard to economics, trade, and investment, the two PMs showed their elation regarding the positive results seen between the two countries, despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes amid Austria continuing to maintain its position in the top 10 largest export markets for the nation in Europe. The pair also expressed their desire to work closely together to effectively capitalise on the opportunities brought about by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
The Austrian Chancellor assured PM Chinh on his country’s willingness to support the Vietnamese side in enhancing its partnership with the EU, along with working for the removal of the yellow card.
Regarding development co-operation moving forward, PM Chinh suggested that Austria place Vietnam on the list of priorities for development assistance, especially in the fields of health care, the environment, and poverty reduction. This includes support for upgrading medical equipment for An Giang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital which is funded by an Austrian ODA, in order to contribute to improving public health in the Mekong Delta region as a whole.
In terms of co-operation in the COVID-19 fight, the Vietnamese PM suggested that Austria transfer its redundant vaccines to the country and co-operate in transferring production technologies for COVID-19 vaccine and treatment drugs. PM Chinh also expressed hope that Austria will urge the COVAX Facility to speed up the allocation of vaccines to the nation in the near future.
The pair also agreed to continue augmenting co-operation in education and training, science, and technology, whilst also offering to provide mutual support at international forums and organisations.
PM Chinh suggested that the Austrian Government adopt policies aimed at supporting and creating optimal conditions for the Vietnamese community within Austria to live and do business smoothly, especially moving into the post-pandemic period.
With regard to the East Sea issue, they emphasized that ensuring maritime and aviation freedom, along with security and peace, in the East Sea is the common interest of the international community. They affirmed support for the settlement of disputes through peaceful methods in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
As part of the occasion, PM Chinh invited Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to visit Vietnam in 2022 to mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, with his invitation being graciously accepted.