VN bolsters investment, trade ties with Hungary

(19-09-2009)

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (right) and his Hungarian counterpart Bajnai Gordon at Kossuth Square in Budapest. The Vietnamese leader was in Hungary for an official visit. — VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam

BUDAPEST — Trade and investment ties between Viet Nam and Hungary yesterday were promoted to a new level following Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s talks with his counterpart, Hungarian Prime Minister Bajnai Gordon.

The two sides showed determination to develop bilateral relations rooted in a foundation that is stable, long-lasting and mutually beneficial.

Both prime ministers acknowledged that Viet Nam- Hungary ties had been positively developed thanks to the inheritance of a relationship founded 60 years ago.

The two sides briefed each other on their country’s current situation and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties in the future.

Dung and Gordon also discussed global issues of concern and how the two countries could have closer co-ordination at world multilateral forums, given that Viet Nam will be the chair nation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and Hungary will be the rotating chair of the European Union (EU) in 2011.

Hungary affirmed its support for Viet Nam as a market economy and opposed the dumping duty applied to Viet Nam’s leather shoes exported into the European market.

The two leaders agreed that more top-ranking exchange visits would be organised more often in order to foster bilateral trust and understanding, which would create a firm foundation for improved co-operation in other areas.

Trade, investment fall short of expectation

Despite positive signs in bilateral trade volume, which has doubled within the last five years, the two leaders agreed it fell short of its potential and should be given priority to grow.

Both sides agreed to check over all agreements reached so far between the ministries of the two countries to ensure that they are well enforced. More favourable conditions will be provided to investors from both countries to do business in both markets, as well.

This visit was also marked with the signing of a series of important agreements, namely the framework agreement on financial co-operation; the co-operation protocol between the two foreign ministries; the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in immigration, consul and nationality; and an agreement to boost co-operation in nuclear research.

The two sides also planned celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the nations, which will happen next year.

Prime Minister Dung was pleased with all the outcomes in his first visit to Hungary and thanked his Hungarian counterpart for the warm reception. He took the opportunity to thank the Hungarian people for their support to Viet Nam during the war and today.

Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon spoke highly of Viet Nam’s economic development achievements and its effective response to the global financial crisis. He expected Viet Nam would be the bridge that connects Hungary to the rest of the Southeast Asian region.

Hungary would also consider non-refundable aid for Viet Nam in order to deal with environmental pollution and create more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work in Hungary.

Prime Minister Dung invited his counterpart to visit Viet Nam at a convenient time, which he accepted.

Hungarian president

Yesterday Dung met with Hungarian President Solyom Laszlo, who had pushed the bilateral co-operation and opened up new opportunities in environment protection with his landmark visit to Viet Nam last year.

Dung said he was pleased to see the great socio-economic achievements Hungary had obtained. He said he hoped Hungary, as a full member of the EU, would actively be involved in global affairs and further open up potentials for bilateral development with Viet Nam.

He thanked President Laszlo for his sentiments on festive activities planned for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Hungary next year.

President Laszlo affirmed his support to boosting bilateral ties and pledged to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students wishing to study in Hungary.

Dung also met Katona Bela, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly yesterday. Dung said information and experience exchange between the two national assemblies in legislative and supervisory areas played a significant role in helping Viet Nam improve judicial reform.

Bela said the traditional friendship ties between the two nations should be strongly enhanced in the area of education and training.

Dung yesterday also received Hungarian Socialist Party Chairwoman Ildiko Lendvai. The Vietnamese Prime Minister said he highly appreciated the Socialist Party’s policies, which place Viet Nam as a priority in Hungary’s development assistance targets, especially during the party’s ruling tenure between 2002-09.

He said he believed the Hungarian Socialist Party and the Communist Party of Viet Nam would continue to foster their traditional affiliation for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace and security in Europe, Asia and across the world.

Ildiko Lendvai said she hoped to learn valuable experiences from Viet Nam, including lessons on ways to handle social issues. Lendvai asked Dung to convey her invitation to visit Hungary to leaders of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

Before leaving for the Hungary - Viet Nam Business Forum, Dung held talks with Chairman of the Fidesz Party, Viktor Orban. — VNS