Further cooperation in investments and trade between Vietnam and Italy will bring benefits to both sides, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said during a reception for Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni in Hanoi on May 25.

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Hailing the ambassador’s contributions in the past year, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hoped that she will further her efforts to promote the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Vietnamese leader wished that the two Governments will increase visits by high-ranking delegations while deepening bilateral collaborations.

He also asked for Italy’s support for Vietnam in high-quality labour training, especially in software and other sectors of mutual interest.

The Italian Ambassador laid stress on her responsibility to promote effective multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries.

Italian leaders have seen Vietnam as an important partner, she said, adding that this was demonstrated through Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s visit to Vietnam as his first destination in Asia in November, 2015.

She noted that along with trade and investment, Italy wants to cooperate with Vietnam in science, education and culture and she will put efforts into connecting Italian enterprises with Vietnamese partners.

By the end of 2015, two-way trade was estimated at over 4 billion USD. Vietnam is currently Italy’s largest trade partner in ASEAN. Italian brands like Ariston and Piaggio have been flourishing in the Vietnamese market.

VNA