At the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from December 11-13, 2022. On the morning of December 12, right after the solemn welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Effective implementation of EVFTA
In an atmosphere of openness, sincerity, trust and frankness, the two Prime Ministers had a comprehensive exchange on each country's socio-economic development, bilateral relations, and regional and international issues. same interest. In particular, the leaders agreed to continue effectively implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), jointly promoting the two countries to become goods transit hubs in the two regions.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested the Netherlands support the European Commission (EC) to soon remove the IUU yellow card for Vietnam's seafood exports, and support Vietnam to build seaports, airports and centers innovation center modeled on Brainport center; and proposed that the two sides soon sign a labor cooperation agreement.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte affirmed that the EVFTA Agreement is an important driving force in promoting economic relations between the two countries; emphasizing that Dutch businesses are increasingly interested in Vietnam, where there is political stability and a favorable business and investment environment; highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts to develop sustainable fisheries, supporting the European Commission (EC) to soon remove the IUU yellow card.
The two leaders agreed to step up and deepen cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and the Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Agriculture. The Netherlands is ready to share experience, knowledge, technology and preferential loans to help Vietnam develop sustainable agriculture, logistics systems, green transformation, biodiversity protection, water management, especially in the Mekong Delta.
The Prime Minister proposed the Netherlands to support Vietnam in building an eco-oriented, modern and smart agriculture; The Dutch government provides financial and technological support for human resource training within the framework of the "Justice Energy Transition Partnership" (JETP) on the basis of ensuring the harmony of interests, in order to help Vietnam effectively respond to and fulfill its commitments on climate change; support Vietnam to develop circular economy.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte affirmed to promote cooperation in renewable energy development, support Vietnam in offshore sand mining technology, prevent landslides, amend the Law on Water Resources in Vietnam; At the same time, he welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's proposal for the two sides to establish a tripartite cooperation mechanism on agriculture and food security, in order to respond to supply chain disruptions and contribute to joint efforts to solve global food security issues.
Seaports, shipbuilding technology, logistics connectivity
During the talk, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked the Netherlands to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); encourage Dutch businesses to promote investment in Vietnam in the fields of strength of the Netherlands such as seaports, shipbuilding technology, logistics connectivity, strategic infrastructure.
In fact, many Dutch enterprises in the fields of aviation, seaports, inland waterways ... are looking forward to connecting, seeking investment opportunities and implementing many projects in Hai Phong.
By the end of October 2022, Hai Phong has 15 foreign direct investment projects of the Netherlands with a total investment capital of nearly 300 million USD. Projects focus mainly in the fields of: shipbuilding, manufacturing marine machinery and equipment, commercial business, notably the Shipyard Project of Damen Song Cam Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Automotive Vietnam project produces spare parts, auxiliary parts for cars and other motor vehicles…
In particular, many Dutch enterprises are very interested in learning about cooperation opportunities with Hai Phong port, the construction project of Hai Phong international gateway port in Lach Huyen and Hai Phong shipbuilding industry after restructuring... These are all are potential and reputable enterprises of the famous Dutch maritime and shipbuilding industry in the field of manufacturing and supplying electrical and electronic equipment, automation control equipment, marine technology, shipbuilding technology, investment consulting in Vietnam, providing marine equipment and services.
The results of economic cooperation between Hai Phong and Dutch enterprises over the past time are encouraging, but not commensurate with the cooperation potential of the two sides. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a country with strengths in the fields of seaports, logistics and supply chain management, water management and irrigation. These are also industries and fields where Hai Phong has many potentials and advantages.
In order to promote cooperation, support the development of seaports and logistics of Hai Phong smarter and more sustainable, last November 2022, in Hai Phong City, Ms. Liesje Schreinemacher, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation will have an official visit to Hai Phong and attend the Roundtable on logistics and seaport development.
At the upcoming conference on logistics and seaport development, many Dutch enterprises in the fields of aviation, seaports, inland waterways ... will attend, with the desire to find investment opportunities, deploy many production projects in Hai Phong.
Dutch businesses investing in Hai Phong said that it will not only bring economic benefits but also create jobs and income for people here. At the same time, in the near future, Hai Phong City will continue to create conditions for Dutch businesses to study and invest in Hai Phong; especially in the maritime sector. Thereby, contributing to promoting business and trade activities between the two sides.