New Ambassador from Qatar Abdullah Sultan Al-Hamar told Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on March 25 that he is tasked with further developing bilateral ties while working in Vietnam, a significant country in Qatar’s diplomatic policy.

He revealed that investment inflow is on its way to Vietnam; the Qatar National Bank—the largest in the Middle East—will open a branch in Ho Chi Minh City on March 30 and another in Hanoi in the future, he said, adding that Qatari investors are not satisfied with their 1 billion USD-plus capital in Vietnam and are seeking more large-scale projects.

Qatar supports Vietnam’s economic reform efforts and its bid for seats in United Nations agencies, he said, pledging the country would recognise Vietnam as a market economy soon.

The PM suggested facilitating investment and trade and holding an inter-governmental meeting to broaden bilateral coordination.

Vietnam is willing to invite Qatar investors to buy stakes in equitised firms, become strategic stakeholders in major commercial banks, and vie for bids to operate airport, seaport and highway facilities in the country, he said.

The host also asked Qatar to offer additional official development assistance to impoverished areas in Vietnam as well as strengthen collaboration across labour, finance and banking.

He hoped that both sides would support one another at multilateral forums and United Nations organisations while pushing forward political and diplomatic engagements to enhance mutual understanding and trust.-VNA