Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Greek Ambassador to Vietnam Ioannis E. Raptakis have shared the view that Vietnam and Greece should strengthen coordination in order to increase their two-way trade rapidly. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Greek Ambassador to Vietnam Ioannis E. Raptakis

At a reception for Raptakis in Hanoi on June 4, PM Phuc expressed his hope that Greece will support Vietnam’s efforts to boost its ties with the EU and soon officially reach the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. 

Vietnam wants to cooperate with Greece in the areas of the country’s strength like shipbuilding, vessel maintenance and management, maritime transportation services and seaport exploitation, the leader said. 

Pledging optimal conditions for Greek businesses and investors in Vietnam, PM Phuc noted his hope that the ambassador will organise visits of many delegations of Greek firms to Vietnam to seek business and investment opportunities in the country. 

He called on the two sides to speed up the implementation of agreements on cooperation in culture and tourism, and exchange experience and join hands in archaeology as well as preservation and restoration of historical relic sites. 

For his part, Raptakis affirmed that Greece always attaches importance to enhancing relations with Vietnam.

The diplomat said he hopes that Vietnam and Greece will sign an agreement on double taxation avoidance and another agreement on maritime transportation at an early date to facilitate bilateral collaboration. 

Raptakis promised to do his utmost to complete his assigned tasks, contributing to advancing relations between the two countries in a more effective and pragmatic fashion.-VNA