The Vietnamese Government always attaches importance to creating favourable conditions for Norwegian firms to do longterm and stable business in Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai made this affirmation at a reception for visiting Norwegian Minister of Agriculture and Food Lars Peder Brekk, in Hanoi on Nov. 25.

Hai said he is pleased with positive developments of the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries over the past 40 years, especially in trade, investment, culture, education and development cooperation.

He spoke highly of Norway ’s support and assistance for Vietnam ’s development, saying that Norway is emerging as one of Vietnam ’s major economic partners in North Europe .

The Deputy PM expressed thanks to Norway for its ODA provision for Vietnam to develop agriculture, deal with climate change and reduce poverty.

In the future, the two countries should make greater efforts to strengthen cooperation, particularly in oil and gas, energy, telecommunications, shipbuilding, maritime transport, industry and food processing.

Minister Lars Peder Brekk, who is in Vietnam to attend the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Norway diplomatic ties, highly valued the important role of Vietnam in ensuring food security, not only for itself but also for the region and the world at large.

He affirmed that Norway respects Vietnam ’s commitments to reduce gas emissions and expressed a wish to help Vietnam in this field.

He agreed with Deputy PM Hai on boosting bilateral cooperation in the future./.