Mr Trong told the Vietnam News Agency prior to his departure that various meetings, exchanges and trade and investment promotion activities will be held between a number of Vietnamese and European businesses during the visits.

He said that Vietnam and the four European countries have specific potential and strengths that can complement and support each other. The European nations have strengths in the high-technology industries, such as shipbuilding, oil and gas, mechanical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, education and health care. Meanwhile, with a population of more than 80 million and a dynamic economy, Vietnam is a big market and an attractive destination for European investors.

During the tour, the Vietnamese legislative body and those of the four European countries will discuss measures to increase exchanges and cooperation and also share experiences in devising and applying legislation. Many agreements to expand cooperation in legislative affairs will be signed between the concerned nations.

According to Mr Trong, his European tour is to further implement the Party and the State’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and openness as well as diversification and multilateralisation of international relations for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the rest of the world.

The tour is a good chance for all parties to discuss measures to boost ties, particularly in legislation, at a time when Vietnam National Assembly was recently elected to the management board of the Inter-Parliamentary Union that boasts more than 150 members, including Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and France.

Vietnam established diplomatic ties with Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria 60 years ago and with France 35 years ago. Bilateral ties between Vietnam and these countries have developed considerably through the exchange of many high-level visits.