Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is keen to cooperatewith Norway in marine and ocean economy, including issues related to plasticwaste, which Norway holds strengths in, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc saidwhile hosting Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Grete Lochen in Hanoi on May 14.

The PM affirmed that Norway is a reliablepartner of Vietnam, with bilateral relations growing over the years. 

After the visit to Vietnam by the Norwegian PMin 2015, the two countries have implemented many effective cooperationactivities in a range of fields, he said.

The newly-accredited Ambassador Lochen said shehoped the Vietnam-Norway relations will develop with even greater strengths duringher working tenure in Vietnam.

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

PM Phuc emphasised the great potential inbilateral cooperation, citing that Norway’s current investment in Vietnam onlystands at 41 projects worth 41 million USD.

He asked the Norwegian ambassador to coordinatewith Vietnamese relevant agencies to promote the bilateral trade and investmentpartnership.

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

He suggested that the ambassador organize activitiesto help enterprises meet and study business investment cooperationopportunities, focusing on the fields of Norway’s strengths such asshipbuilding, mineral, oil and gas, wind power, wood processing, informationcommunication, science-technology, and environment.

The PM called on Norwegian firms to cooperatewith Vietnamese partners in trade and bring Vietnamese farm produce to theNorthern European country.

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

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

Besides economic cooperation, Vietnam isinterested in promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, he said.
He urged the two countries to boost cooperationin education and training, especially between universities.

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

She said Norwegian businesses are keen tocollaborate with Vietnamese firms in energy, solar power, oil and gas, andhoped that relevant Vietnamese agencies will create the best conditions for bilateralcooperation in the aforementioned spheres.

PM Phuc affirmed that the Vietnamese Governmentwill create all possible conditions for Norwegian businesses to invest inVietnam. –VNA