“One of the priorities of the Government of Slovakia is developing cooperation in economics and trade with Southeast Asian countries, among which Vietnam is on top, being a significant trade and economic partner of Slovakia’s”. This is the assertion of Mr Miroslav Lajeak, Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic at the Vietnam – Slovakia Business forum, held by the VCCI in Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic.
In opening remarks, Director of the VCCI in Ho Chi Minh city Vo Tan Thanh said that with more than 64 years of diplomatic relations and political stability as well as being attractive, active markets in Asia and the European Union (EU), Vietnam and the Slovak Republic have many opportunities to develop bilateral cooperation in terms of both width and depth. Currently, trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Slovakia are developing, yet still not commensurate with the potential and desire of both parties. Mr Thanh said that the two countries still have many areas which can be promoted effectively in the future. For instance, Slovakia has strengths in the field of automotive, electrical engineering, precise engineering, advanced materials, energy, especially nuclear energy. Cooperating with enterprises of Slovakia, Vietnam businesses will have the opportunity to learn and absorb new technologies.
According to Mr Stefan Rozkopal, Director of the Foreign Economic Relations Department, Ministry of Economics of Slovak Republic, Slovakia is currently a member of the EU, while Vietnam is also an active member of ASEAN. With an open door policy and flexible economic mechanisms, Vietnam can fully assume the role of a bridge and a good destination for Slovak goods to come into the markets of Vietnam and of other countries in ASEAN. In contrast, Slovakia is also an important partner as well as the gateway for Vietnamese goods to enter the EU Europe. Mr Stefan Rozkopal said that this interference not only helps develop bilateral ties between Vietnam and Slovakia but also contributes to enhancing the cooperation between the EU and ASEAN.
In 2013, total two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Slovakia reached US$ 400 million, of which exports from Vietnam reached nearly US$ 392 million. In the first 8 months of 2014, the total bilateral trade turnover reached US$ 281 million, of which exports from Vietnam were worth over US$ 262 million. Through the above statistics, it can be seen that the trade balance is tilted toward Vietnam. Deputy Prime Minister Miroslav Lajeak stressed: “This fact requires that Slovakia put more effort into bringing their goods to Vietnam’s market. In particular, we are interested in boosting potential bilateral trade cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, etc.” Particularly in the energy sector, Slovakia currently has 7 nuclear power plants in operation and will continue to build two more nuclear power plants. The country is aiming to become an energy hub among European countries. With over 40 years of experience in developing nuclear power, Mr Miroslav Lajeak noted that Slovakia can absolutely become the perfect partner in supporting Vietnam unleash the potential of its abundant energy. The highlight of this cooperation scheme is that Slovakia will build a nuclear power plant in Vietnam in 2030.
Particularly in the field of investment, since 2010 Slovakia has had investment projects in Vietnam. Considering the cumulative number of effective projects up to September 20th 2014, Slovakia ranks 32nd out of 101 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with 5 projects and total registered investment capital of over US$ 235 million. Appreciating the potential of investment cooperation between Vietnam and Slovakia, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Vietnam Igor Pacolak expressed hope that the Government of Vietnam would continue to create favourable conditions for investors of Slovakia to operate their business in Vietnam and have more positive activities to encourage and support domestic enterprises to invest in Slovakia.
PV
Đăng ký: VietNam News