Government leader expects stronger partnership with Argentina

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed a desire to further strengthen the comprehensive Vietnam - Argentina partnership, especially in economics, trade and investment while receiving Argentine President Mauricio Macri in Hanoi on February 20.

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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) greets Argentine President Mauricio Macri.

Vietnam regards Argentina as its most important partner in Latin America and wants to foster its comprehensive partnership with the country, the Vietnamese government leader told his guest, adding that the Vietnamese people always take heed to and love the country and people of Argentina whose football, wines and tango dance are well-known all over the world.

According to the PM, the relationship between the two countries continues to develop in a substantial and effective manner, as shown by increasingly strengthened political relations. Trade exchange doubled from US$1.4 billion in 2013 to nearly US$3 billion in 2018.

Mechanisms of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee and political consultation between the two foreign ministries have maintained regularly and effectively. The two countries have work closely with international organizations and at multilateral forums, especially in the United Nations.

For his part, President Macri affirmed that Vietnam is the fifth largest trade partner of his country in the world and the second in Asia, and expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s dynamism and impressive economic growth.

Vietnam should produce more food and Argentina has good experience and advanced technology in this regard, Marci said while hoping that the two sides can further develop their cooperation in health care, information technology and telecommunications, he said.

President Mauricio Macri assured his nation’s willingness to step up cooperation with Vietnam in the field of football, and cross-cultural exchange, adding that a business forum is set to transpire on February 21 with the participation of more than 80 Argentine businesses who are looking forward to seeking partners for exchange-traded products in Vietnam.

PM Phuc agreed with President Macri’s idea that the two sides should boost bilateral trade, and asked Argentina to open its market for Vietnam’s exports, especially for agricultural products such as litchi, dragon fruit, longan, and mango, limit the use of technical and trade remedy measures for Vietnamese exports so as to gradually ensure the trade balance.

He underlined the need for Vietnam and Argentina to maintain delegation exchange and augment cooperation initiatives at various levels.

The Vietnamese cabinet leader suggested the two sides continue to advance their cooperation in technology, sciences, agriculture, anthropology, forensic medicine, renewable energy, and pharmacy.

He also voiced his hope that the visit by President Macri will open up a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in the time to come.

VOV