Vietnam, Russia seek stronger cooperation in COVID-19 combat

Moscow (VNA) – Representatives from Russian and Vietnamese businesses operating in the field of pharmacy and health care exchanged experience and sought technological cooperation opportunities in the fight against COVID-19 at a round-table in Moscow on November 11.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi said only close cooperation would help countries succeed in combating the pandemic and restoring international trade and tourism.

Lauding achievements Russia has recorded in the research, development and production of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs, the diplomat noted that Vietnam and Russia have effectively coordinated in the pandemic combat.

Khoi cited an example of the coordination, which is the success of Vietnam’s Vabiotech company in bottling Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine under an agreement with its Russian partner.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Russia stands ready to coordinate with ministries, agencies and companies of Russia and Vietnam to deepen the substantive and mutually beneficial international cooperation in the pandemic combat.

Oleg Nizhelsky, General Director of Russia’s Bronemed LLC, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents on the sidelines of the round-table that through the event, Vietnamese and Russian enterprises have set up initial links to draw up cooperation plans.

According to him, both countries have adequate resources in terms of science and technology to push ahead with collaboration in the pandemic fight, and the production of vaccines and pharmaceutical products.
Vietnamese Trade Counselor Duong Hoang Minh said Vietnam would work as a hub for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs to other countries in Southeast Asia.

In the first 10 months of this year, Russia’s pharmaceutical exports to Vietnam increased 3.5 times to 39 million USD, the trade counselor said, expressing his hope that businesses of the countries will contribute to creating new momentum for the bilateral trade ties.

At the end of the round-table, Vietnam’s Biopharma and T&T group signed memoranda of understanding with Sistema Biotech and Bronemed of Russia./.