Vietnam wants Canada to open its door for Vietnamese goods and intensify its investment in the country, with the goal of bringing two-way trade turnover up to US$2 billion in the near future, said State President Truong Tan Sang.

 

On November 16, the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, began his official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of State President Truong Tan Sang. 

 

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, President Sang and Governor General David Johnston held talks on measures to promote bilateral relations in politics, economics, trade, investment, education, labor, culture, and other fields.

 

This is the first visit to Vietnam by a Canadian Governor General since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1973.

 

Mr Sang praised the relationship between the two countries which has been consolidated under a 2005 framework of comprehensive partnership and long-term stability.

 

Two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Canada reached US$1.4 billion in 2010, with Vietnam maintaining an export surplus. The two countries are negotiating the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and other agreements on educational, transport, and judicial cooperation.

 

Mr Johnston said his country attaches great importance to strengthening collaboration with Vietnam.

 

Host and guest compared notes on international and regional issues of common concern and agreed to promote an exchange of visits by high-level delegations, to work with mutual understanding and trust, and coordinate and support each other at international multilateral forums.

 

After talks, the two leaders had a short meeting with the media.

 

Mr Sang highlighted Canada’s financial support for Vietnam, saying that Vietnam praises Canada for maintaining Vietnam as one of its 20 ODA recipients and would like Canada to carry out more new projects in the country, especially in human resources training.

 

Vietnam spoke highly of the Canadian Government’s proposal to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Canada to integrate and contribute to boosting Canada’s development as well as strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

 

Both sides agreed that based on the results achieved from the bilateral talks, their cooperation will become more effective for mutual benefit and for the sake of peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

 

The same day, President Sang hosted a banquet in honour of Governor General David Johnston and his entourage.

 

VOV