HANOI: Vietnam national assembly’s Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân and Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Siren Gjerme Eriksen lauded the growing ties between the two countries during a meeting in Hanoi.
The NA Chairwoman suggested increasing experience sharing and technology transfer in fields of Norway’s strength and Vietnam’s demand.
Vietnam hopes Norway will open its market for Vietnam’s traditional exports such as agro-forestry-fisheries, apparel and footwear, Ngan said, adding that two-way trade reached 308.2 million USD in 2016.
Norway currently ranks 44th out of 116 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with 34 valid projects worth more than 92 million USD.
She thanked Norway for providing Vietnam with important official development assistance, especially in environment, education, gender equality, health care, bomb and mine clearance, contributing to helping the country fulfill the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule.
The top legislator requested that Norway continue ODA provision for Vietnam, particularly in aquaculture, rural economic development and environment protection.
Eriksen, for her part, expressed her delight at the growing ties between the two countries, especially since the Vietnam visit by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg in 2015.
About the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), she emphasised that Norway, in its role as coordinator of EFTA negotiations, will work for the early conclusion of negotiations on the deal and its signing.
She expressed her belief that the FTA will open up new opportunities for the business communities of both Vietnam and the EFTA.
The diplomat informed the host that a delegation of Norwegian firms will travel to Vietnam to seek cooperation opportunities in sea-based economic fields this May.
Host and guest also shared the assessment that the two countries’ legislatures have enhanced their cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
They agreed that the two parliaments should increase the exchange of visits by high-ranking officials and members of specialised committees to share experience and information.
