Vietnam backs commitments to enhancing ties with Ivory Coast: PM

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam supports commitments to promoting cooperation between the country and Ivory Coast in not only economy but also other spheres, including national defence, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on June 19.

At a reception for Foreign Minister of Ivory Coast Marcel Amon-Tanoh in Hanoi, the PM expressed his hope that businesses of the two countries will step up trade promotion activities.

He called on the Ivory Coast to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to operate in the African country and for Vietnamese goods to penetrate the market.

PM Phuc said he expects that Vietnam and the Ivory Coast will soon reach concrete outcomes in new cooperation spheres, stressing Vietnam stands ready to share its experience and assist the Ivory Coast in rice cultivation.

He suggested the two countries optimise their strength in cashew export, cooperate with and support each other in this regard.

The Ivory Coast would become a bridge for Vietnam to enter the African market while Vietnam would serve as a gateway for the Ivory Coast to penetrate into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Vietnam’s major partners, he said.

The leader thanked the Ivory Coast Government for the attention and favourable conditions it has given to the Vietnamese community in the host country.

He said the minister’s first-ever visit to Vietnam will open up a new chapter in the relations between the two countries, contributing to the consolidation of the bilateral friendship and cooperation in the time ahead, especially in economy, trade and investment.

For his part, Amon-Tanoh briefed the PM on the results of his talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, saying the two sides discussed many solutions to enhance the bilateral ties.

He said with an open and attractive business environment, the Ivory Coast hopes to attract more foreign investors, including those from Vietnam.

The minister suggested the two countries soon sign agreements on investment protection and double taxation avoidance in order to improve the efficiency of the bilateral economic ties.

In the process of economic modernisation, the Ivory Coast wants to develop the processing industry, especially cashew processing, he said, describing this as an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to invest in the country.

The two sides also agreed to diversify collaboration in national defence and health care.-VNA