Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested Vietnam and Sweden expand cooperation in various realms during his reception for Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström in Hanoi on November 22. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ​and Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström 

Vietnam and Sweden should further their collaboration in education-training, science-technology, green technology, smart urban development and support industry, he said. 

Hailing the effective operation of many Swedish enterprises in Vietnam like Ericsson, ABB and Electrolux, PM Phuc said Vietnam prioritises electronics, automobile spare part manufacturing, and food and beverage processing. 

Therefore, Vietnam welcomes the upcoming visit by a delegation of leading Swedish enterprises to Vietnam to scope out investment and business opportunities in these fields, the leader stressed. 

He commented on the healthy growth of bilateral trade over the past time, which stood at 1 billion USD in the first ten months of this year, urging competent agencies of both countries to create favourable conditions for their businesses to step up exchanges and cooperation in order to soon double the figure. 

The PM also called on Sweden to encourage the EU to soon sign and ratify the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement to facilitate trade links between Vietnam and Sweden. 

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties in 2019, PM Phuc asked the two countries’ foreign ministries to join hands to successfully organise visits and cultural, tourism and trade and investment promotion activities. 

Vietnam always treasures and continuously consolidates the long-standing relationship and multi-faceted cooperation with Sweden, he affirmed. 

In reply, Margot Wallström said Sweden wishes to be good friend and a trustworthy partner of Vietnam, appealing to the two countries to intensify their comprehensive cooperation, especially through high-level visits. 

Expressing her impressions on Vietnam’s outstanding development, the minister said Swedish firms hope Vietnam to maintain the growth rate to make it easier for their investment. 

She congratulated Vietnam on its successful hosting of activities within the APEC Year 2017, hailing Vietnam’s support for trade liberalisation. 

The minister used the occasion to share losses caused by natural disasters and climate change in Vietnam, saying Sweden wishes to cooperate with the country in this sphere.-VNA