He told the guest that Vietnam always remembers Sweden’s valuable and effective support for its causes of socio-economic development and poverty reduction, thus helping it fulfil many Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations ahead of schedule.
He said he was delighted on hearing that two-way trade surpassed US$1.5 billion last year and Swedish investors are currently running 67 projects totalling US$370 million in Vietnam.
However, the figures are still quite modest and yet to match the full bilateral potential, he stressed.
PM Phuc conveyed his hope that the Swedish enterprises accompanying the Crown Princess on her trip will find opportunities to connect with suitable Vietnamese partners in order to help boost economic cooperation.
The Vietnamese Government is working to complete institutions and create the most possible favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Sweden, he added.
He also expressed his hope that the Swedish Royal Family and government will help to speed up the early signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) before late June 2019 to create a breakthrough for bilateral trade and economic ties.
Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree said that the Swedish enterprises accompanying her want to foster stronger collaborations with Vietnamese partners.
Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade Ann Linde stated that Sweden considers issues related to free trade agreements as highly significant. Therefore, the country will work to boost the early signing and ratification of the EVFTA, she noted.
