(VEN) – In an interview with Vietnam Economic News’ Hoa Le about marine economic cooperation between Vietnam and Norway, Trade counselor of Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam Ole Henaes said, “Both countries have long coasts and I think this is an advantage for us to develop our marine economies in shipping, fishery, shipbuilding and oil and gas exploitation.”
Both Vietnam and Norway have long coasts. In your opinion, how will this resemblance affect the potential for bilateral cooperation?
The resemblance in geographical position has determined some potential areas of cooperation, supporting the marine economy in terms of shipping, fishery, shipbuilding and oil and gas exploitation.
| According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs’ statistics, in 2012, Vietnam’s export revenue to Norway reached US$324.7 million, an increase of 33 percent compared with 2011 and import revenue from Norway stood at US$157.7 million, down 20.9 percent year on year. In February 2013, Vietnam’s exports to Norway reached US$6.62 million, up 16.2 percent compared with the previous month and up 25.2 percent year on year. During this month, Vietnam’s imports from Norway was US$4.89 million, a 15 percent decline against January 2013 and also down by 31.6 percent against the same period last year. |
For the last two years, Vietnam has continued to attract Norwegian investors in the field of shipping as they suppose Vietnam’s shipping products can compete not only in the domestic market but also in global market. More specifically, a big Norwegian shipbuilding company recently opened a representative office in Hai Phong City. A number of other companies in this field are also operating very well in Vietnam.
Oil and gas exploitation is also of great potential to both countries. In the coming time, we will send a business delegation to Vietnam to participate at the 10th ASCOPE Conference and Exhibition scheduled from November 28-30 in Ho Chi Minh City. This will be an excellent opportunity for both sides to find out more about each country’s markets.
In term of investment in fisheries, the Norwegian Pharmaq Company is operating efficiently in Vietnam as a consultant and provider of health products to the aquaculture industry, especially anti-epidemic vaccines. In addition, we are very interested in boosting commodity exchanges between the two countries.
Data showed that in 2012 and early months of 2013, Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus with Norway and that two-way trade turnover between two sides has significantly increased. What is your assessment of this?
Norwegian consumers pay special attention to the quality of products, including both products for domestic consumption and imported products. The growing import value from Vietnam reveals positive signs about Vietnamese goods.
Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc are in the negotiating the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA). I think the FTA will be a big step, helping to facilitate trade flows between the two countries. The fourth round of negotiations between Vietnam and EFTA will be held in Norway in June. I also hope the negotiating process will be further promoted and the FTA will be signed soon. By then, Vietnamese goods will surely experience wider coverage in Norway.
It is reported that along with this fourth round of negotiations, Norway will also hold an international exhibition on the shipbuilding industry. What kinds of support and benefits will Vietnamese enterprises get when joining the exhibition?
A number of Vietnamese enterprises have registered to participate in this exhibition. This is a really good opportunity for participating enterprises to introduce and present the most advantageous points about their products.
Apart from a certain financial support, the Norwegian Embassy will coordinate with the event organizers in Norway to arrange meetings for firms from both sides so that they can explore and grasp business opportunities in the future./.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
