Vietnam seeks ways to forge cooperation with Africa, Middle East post COVID-19

Hanoi (VNA) – Participants at an international conference in Hanoi on November 11 proposed cooperation orientations between Vietnam and Africa and the Middle East post COVID-19.

The conference was held by the Institute of African and Middle East Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) in coordination with partners.

In his opening remarks, VASS Vice Chairman Prof. Nguyen Duc Minh said the conference offers a chance for Vietnam and countries in Africa and the Middle East to consolidate and beef up partnerships, while seeking new cooperation opportunities post COVID-19.

It is expected to contribute to the implementation of the Vietnamese Government’s strategy on developing relations with these countries during the 2016-2025 period, he added.

Dr. Le Quy Kha, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam - Africa Economic Cooperation Alliance (VAECA), said trade and investment ties between Vietnam and African and Middle East nations have not yet matched their potential.

Therefore, it is very important to optimise opportunities and advantages to enhance the cooperation, he stressed, suggesting the Vietnamese Government work to meet technological requirements of Africa, and open Vietnamese banks, both State and private ones, in Africa and vice versa.

Vietnam should open more representative offices of embassies in the countries that are interested in cooperating with Vietnam, and intensify information sharing with Africa through multiple channels, he said.

Dr. Kieu Thanh Nga, deputy head of the Institute of African and Middle East Studies, pointed out great opportunities for foreign investors in Vietnam as the country boasts abundant human resources, young workforce and growing middle class.

Echoing Kha’s views, she said economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Africa have remained modest, and suggested the two sides further enhance their political and diplomatic ties.

Vietnam would establish cooperation forums and mechanisms, and devise incentives to encourage businesses, universities and private organisations to actively engage in financial organisations, the official said.

She also suggested building a policy framework for Vietnam-Africa cooperation through a free trade agreement.

The participating experts also exchanged experience in handling and removing difficulties to collaboration between Vietnam and Africa./.