Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s upcoming working visit to Portugal, the first of its kind, will enhance relations between the two countries and open up new cooperation opportunities, Vietnamese Ambassador to France and Portugal Nguyen Ngoc Son stated.

According to Ambassador Son, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Portugal on June 3 and 4, when he will hold talks and co-chair the 2015 Blue Business Forum with his Portuguese counterpart.

He will also host a Vietnamese economic forum. Most notably, he will witness the signing of several bilateral agreements, including pacts on double tax avoidance, tourism cooperation and joint activities between the two finance ministries.

The visit takes place on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and will boost mutual understanding, Son noted.

The Vietnamese economic forum will see the participation of 100 Vietnamese enterprises and a great number of Portuguese firms. It is expected to help participants learn about the two markets and establish business links.

Portugal has a population of 10 million, with a per capita income of more than 20,000 USD per year. Its major economic sectors include agriculture, garments and textiles, and electricity production, which are similar to Vietnam. The EU-member country considers Vietnam its gateway into the Southeast Asian market.

The third Blue Business Forum will be attended by more than 50 countries and international organisations.

The Vietnamese diplomat pointed out that the invitation to co-chair the event reflects the host nation’s high regard for Vietnam. In turn, Vietnam’s acceptance demonstrates its interest in maritime economics and the marine environment.

VNA