The government leaders of Vietnam and Belgium have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in various areas, especially economics, to fully tap the two countries’ potential. Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai said Vietnam-Belgium relations are developing well, from trade and investment cooperation to coordination at international forums (Photo:VGP) The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on January 20 between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Johan Vande Lanotte. Hai noted Vietnam and Belgium have great potential for stronger cooperation in seaport development, logistics services, transportation, green technology and high technology. Lanotte noted with satisfaction the fine development of bilateral ties over the years and affirmed the Belgian government wants to deepen multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam. They agreed to increase high-level visit exchanges, and promote cooperation between Vietnam and Belgian regions, as well as at multilateral forums. Both sides vowed to create favourable conditions for their business communities to meet and establish partnerships in the areas of their strength. Deputy PM Johan Vande Lanotte said Belgium attaches importance to fostering cooperative ties with Vietnam (Photo:VGP) Belgium is willing to help Vietnam boost cooperation with Europe, said Lanotte. Hai and Lanotte exchanged views on the prospect for development cooperation and implementation of projects within the framework of the Vietnam-Belgium Cooperation Programme till 2015. Belgium is Vietnam’s sixth biggest European trade partner, with two-way trade increasing 70% from 2003 to 2011 and reaching EUR1.2 billion last year. After talks, both sides signed a number of agreements, including those to support Vietnamese business incubators and supplying Earth observation minisatellites (VNREDSat-1B). VOV