Vietnam and Austria have agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, tertiary education and scientific research.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan and Austrian President Heinz Fischer in Vienna on Dec. 1. Nhan is on his official visit to the European country from Nov. 30-Dec. 3.

Deputy PM Nhan said Vietnam will create favourable conditions for Austrian firms to invest and do long-term business in the country.

He said he expects the two sides will soon realise the agreements on tertiary education and scientific research reached during his visit. He also called for Austria ’s assistance and participation in establishment of scientific research centres in health care, transport, energy, environment, biotechnology, space technology and clean agriculture.

President Heinz Fischer spoke highly of Vietnam ’s socio-economic achievements, especially in reducing poverty and maintaining high economic growth at a time when the world economy faces difficulties.

He expressed his pleasure at development of the two-countries’ friendship and multifaceted cooperation, particularly after the Austria visit by President Nguyen Minh Triet in 2008.

The President said he will pay an official visit to Vietnam in the first half of 2012 at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang.

During the meeting, the two sides also agreed to closely coordinate in conducting activities to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2012, especially cultural events and cooperation on scientific-technological research and education-training.

They were unanimous to boost cooperation at multilateral forums and in international organisations, including the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)./.