Vietnam attaches a great deal of importance to developing its friendship and cooperating more with Greece , said Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan.

Madame Doan stated this while paying a courtesy visit to Greek President Karolos Papoulias, in Athens on May 31, on the occasion of her attending the 22 nd Global Summit of Women.

Doan said she hoped that both countries will step up the exchange of delegations at all levels to enhance economic, trade and investment, as well as cooperating at the UN and other international forums.

While sympathysing with the difficulties and challenges that Greece is facing, Vice President Doan said she believes Greece will soon overcome its economic woes and develop even further.

Greek President Karolos Papoulias praised Vietnam for its achievements in the past and at present and said that Greece is willing to work with Vietnam in every field.

With its potential, resolve and will, Greece is sure to overcome its current difficulties and uphold its role in Europe , said the President.

Earlier, Vice President Doan had presided over the Vietnam-Greece business forum, which attracted hundreds of businesspeople from both countries.

She said that both countries have their own strengths and weaknesses and could supplement each other.

Since 2011 economic and trade ties between the two countries have seen strong growth with Vietnam ’s export revenue to Greece increasing by 40 percent, while Greek exports to Vietnam have quadrupled compared to previous years.

Businesses from both countries should promote cooperation for their mutual development, especially in the maritime sector as well as agriculture, seafood, handicrafts, food processing, garments, tourism, health care, education and training, said Doan.

She also affirmed that Vietnam will continue to improve its administrative procedures to create a more favorable, open and transparent environment for foreign investors.-VNA