PM Nguyen Tan Dung made the proposal at a reception in Hanoi on January 20 for visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Johan Vande Lanotte.
Dung said the government of Vietnam will create the best possible conditions for Belgian investors to operate successfully in the country, as well as increasing two-way trade.
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He noted 2014 is an important year in bilateral ties when the two countries mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Vietnam wants to work closely together with Belgium to strengthen cooperation in politics, economics, trade, investment and ODA, he told his guest.
The government leader proposed that Belgium support free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Vietnam and the European Union, and recognise Vietnam’s market economy status.
For his part, Lanotte assured Dung that Belgium wants to boost cooperation with Vietnam, especially in trade and investment.
Belgian businesses are keen to expand investment in Vietnam, primarily in Haiphong-based Dinh Vu industrial zone, he said.
He confirmed Belgium is willing to help Vietnam boost its exports to Europe and increase cooperation in high technology, aerospace, satellite manufacturing, and ODA.
He revealed Belgium is lobbying the EU to soon conclude FTA negotiations and sign the trade pact with Vietnam, saying the FTA will bring great mutual benefits, particularly in Logistics – one of Belgium’s strengths.
Earlier the same day, Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai and Deputy PM Lanotte held talks and witnessed the signing of a number of agreements between the two countries.
