At the business forum, Dutch Deputy PM Lodewijck Asscher and PM Phuc and reiterated the long history of trade between the two countries that dates back to the 17th century. Dutch traders were also the first to visit Pho Hien in Hung Yen Province, one of Vietnam's major ports then.
"400 years ago, Dutch traders were the first Western traders to start doing business with us. Your ancestors were wise men, who understood Vietnam well", PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said.
PM Phuc went on to say that the Netherlands continues to be one of Vietnam's most important trade partners, with total trade turnover reaching more than 7 billion USD. Dutch investment in Vietnam is over 7.6 billion USD, the most of all EU members, a third of all EU investment in the country. The PM encouraged Dutch businesses to continue their investment and help Vietnam join the global value chain and mitigate the problems caused by climate change.
"If Vietnam and the Netherlands join hands, our co-operation will be very beneficial for both sides. The Vietnamese government will be assisting you in your business, protecting your interests and we wish you success", PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc added.
The PM witnessed the signing of the co-operation agreement between the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Other deals, such as the training co-operation agreement between the Dutch STC Group and Vinalines, climate change consulting between Piet Boon Company and the Xuan Thanh Group were also signed. Agreements and contracts worth over 700 million USD were closed at the forum.
