On October 18 in Hanoi, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam, received Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas, who is visiting Vietnam officially from October 17 to 19.
To Lam welcomed the first official high-level visit by a Liechtenstein prime minister to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2008. He said the visit, the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement between Vietnam and Liechtenstein, and the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the countries of the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA, provide a foundation for broader bilateral relations.
To Lam praised Liechtenstein's development achievements, including the world's highest per-capita income, high GDP growth and strengths in high-tech manufacturing, finance, banking and innovation. He also welcomed Liechtenstein's active role in promoting multilateralism, free trade and solutions to global challenges.
To Lam said Vietnam is working toward two centenary goals and aims to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. Vietnam sees science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and private-sector development as important drivers of its new development phase. Self-reliance and international relations were described as foundations for fast and sustainable growth.
Haas said she was honoured to become the first Liechtenstein prime minister to visit Vietnam. She said Vietnam was beautiful and welcoming, thanked To Lam for receiving the delegation and noted the country's growing regional role.
Haas said closer political ties would support economic development and help companies from both countries expand trade and investment. She expressed a wish to exchange views on Vietnam's development experience.
Haas said Liechtenstein considers Vietnam an important partner in Southeast Asia and wants to strengthen long-term economic, trade and investment cooperation. She said the two agreements signed with Vietnam would create a basis for continued cooperation in areas of common interest.
The two leaders agreed to expand contacts to strengthen political trust and economic cooperation. They discussed possible cooperation in finance, science and technology, precision industrial production and the training of highly qualified workers, areas in which Liechtenstein has strengths and Vietnam has needs.
Haas said Liechtenstein was ready to share approaches and models that help improve production capacity, production efficiency and economic productivity.
To Lam proposed that the two sides complete the necessary procedures soon so that the Vietnam and EFTA free trade agreement can enter into force. He also called for stronger business links, wider market access for each other's goods and more investment by Liechtenstein companies in Vietnam in green finance, high technology, precision engineering, automation and medical equipment. The two countries should also promote cultural and artistic exchanges.
On regional and international issues, the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation within the United Nations and contribute jointly to peace and stability in the region and the world.
To Lam asked Haas to convey an invitation to Prince Hans-Adam II to visit Vietnam at a suitable time.
Sources: Dân Trí
