An Austria-Vietnam business forum took place in Ho Chi Minh City on May 30 in the presence of Austrian President Heinz Fischer and Vietnam ’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan.

The forum, which was attended by nearly 150 Vietnamese and Austrian businesses, provided an excellent opportunity for consolidating and boosting bilateral economic ties between the two countries.

It also opened up a new stage of development in Vietnamese-Austrian economic cooperation and it is hoped that the two-way trade of 445 million EUR, which was recorded last year, will double in the next four years.

Speaking at the event, President Fischer said that the forum will help the business communities from both countries to look at new ways of working together and examine investment opportunities.

Both countries and their businesses see a lot of potential for expanding cooperation, which will help the country during its international economic integration process, he said.

Deputy PM Nhan stated that Vietnam always creates the best possible conditions for Austrian investors and went on to say that if foreign investors are successful, including those from Austria , then it is good for Vietnam ’s economy and its image overseas.

In the future, Vietnam will prioritise investment projects in hi-tech, green technologies, support industries, education, culture and healthcare, he added.

According to Austria’s Minister for Economics, the Family and Young People, Reinhold Mitterlehner, Vietnam is an attractive market for Austria as it has seen a strong economic development, boasts an abundance of human resources and the State is keen to support and develop the economy .

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Austria exceeded 445 million EUR last year and currently over 300 Austrian companies are operating in the country.-VNA