Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a Viet Nam-Belgium Business Forum in Brussels on December 15 (local time), within the framework of his official visit to the European country.

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said that the Viet Nam-Belgium relations are developing well in all fields. Two-way trade is estimated to reach nearly US$5 billion this year. The European nation has so far invested $1.1 billion in the Southeast Asian country.

Belgium is also considered one of the gateway markets to the EU for Viet Nam's important exports, he stressed.

In 2022, thanks to the effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, Viet Nam has gained important socio-economic development achievements, including stable macro economy, curbed inflation, positive economic growth, and major balances ensured.

Chinh stressed that Viet Nam has implemented a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, and being a good friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community; and is determined to build an independent, self-reliant economy which is integrating into the international community actively, practically and effectively.

“This is a very important foundation, creating more motivation and confidence for businesses to feel secure in production and business; and promote economic, trade and investment cooperation for extensive development, thus bringing practical benefits to the two peoples,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

He expressed his hope that Belgian and European firms continue diversifying products, markets and supply chains to promote effective and sustainable production and business in Viet Nam.

He suggested them maintain investment and call on more firms to pour capital into his country, with priority given to innovation and start-ups, digital transformation, climate change response, circular economy, infrastructure, logistics, and hi-tech agriculture.

At the forum, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Princess of Belgium Astrid and officials of the two countries witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between their ministries, sectors and enterprises.

The same day, PM Chinh received leaders of Belgian businesses such as Chief Operations Officer of Brussels Airport Piet Demuter; Pharos Company Chair John Martin; Ageas Company Chairman Bart De Smet.

The executives informed the Vietnamese leader of the implementation of projects and investment expansion plans in the Southeast Asian country. Piet Demuter announced his company’s plan to open a direct route between Belgium and Viet Nam.

Chinh appreciated the successful investment activities of these enterprises in Viet Nam, suggesting them continue to expand investment in various fields. He pledged to assign relevant agencies to consider proposals made by the firms. — VNS