Viet Nam is keen to cooperate with Norway in marine and ocean economy, including issues related to plastic waste, which Norway holds strengths in, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while hosting Norwegian Ambassador to Viet Nam Grete Lochen in Ha Noi on May 14.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Norwegian Ambassador to Viet Nam Grete Lochen (Photo: VNA)

The PM affirmed that Norway is a reliable partner of Viet Nam, with bilateral relations growing over the years.

After the visit to Viet Nam by the Norwegian PM in 2015, the two countries have implemented many effective cooperation activities in a range of fields, he said.

The newly-accredited Ambassador Lochen said she hoped the Viet Nam-Norway relations will develop with even greater strengths during her working tenure in Viet Nam.

The bilateral ties have been based on trade and investment activities, she said, adding that the two countries share common viewpoints in sustainable development, education, and cooperation in marine and ocean economy, including the issue of plastic waste.

PM Phuc emphasised the great potential in bilateral cooperation, citing that Norway’s current investment in Viet Nam only stands at 41 projects worth 41 million USD.

He asked the Norwegian ambassador to coordinate with Vietnamese relevant agencies to promote the bilateral trade and investment partnership.

The PM hoped the two countries will step up all-level delegation exchanges, especially at the high level, to create a premise for stronger cooperation between businesses.

He suggested that the ambassador organize activities to help enterprises meet and study business investment cooperation opportunities, focusing on the fields of Norway’s strengths such as shipbuilding, mineral, oil and gas, wind power, wood processing, information communication, science-technology, and environment.

The PM called on Norwegian firms to cooperate with Vietnamese partners in trade and bring Vietnamese farm produce to the Northern European country.

He asked Norway to urge the EU to soon ratify the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), saying this is a great opportunity for cooperation between the two countries and especially for businesses.

The PM proposed that Norway have measures to support the effective implementation of this agreement for mutual benefits.

Besides economic cooperation, Viet Nam is interested in promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, he said.

He urged the two countries to boost cooperation in education and training, especially between universities.

The Norwegian ambassador said the two countries could enhance collaboration in sea-based economy and aquaculture.

She said Norwegian businesses are keen to collaborate with Vietnamese firms in energy, solar power, oil and gas, and hoped that relevant Vietnamese agencies will create the best conditions for bilateral cooperation in the aforementioned spheres.

PM Phuc affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will create all possible conditions for Norwegian businesses to invest in Viet Nam.

(Source: VNA)