The Vietnam - Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association (VNFCA) made debut in Hanoi on January 29, in the presence of Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Associations Don Tuan Phong, and Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Joop Scheffers.

The association’s congress elected former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dao Xuan Hoc as its Chairman.

Speaking at the event, Hoc conveyed his thanks to the Dutch people for their support for Vietnam ’s national construction and defence, affirming that the VNFCA, which was established as the two countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, will act as a bridge to strengthen mutual understanding and boost multi-faceted cooperation between the two peoples.

Also on this occasion, the association announced its logo with the image of the lotus and tulip, the two countries’ national flowers.

Ambassador Scheffers said that Vietnam has turned from an aid recipient into a trade and investment partner of the Netherlands . The two countries will continue realising their leaders’ common conception and expanding cooperation, especially in the fields that the two sides have advantages like maritime transport, and water and energy management.-VNA