Wallonia-Brussels and Vietnam strengthening development cooperation

Minister Dung and Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Minister-President of the government of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels

At the meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in the afternoon of October 17, Minister Dung welcomed Jeholet during his visit on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the establishment of the Wallonia-Brussels Mission (1996-2021).

“We highly appreciate the support of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Wallonia-Brussels region and wish that the relationship will be levelled up in the coming time, especially in economy, trade, and investment,” emphasised Dung.

Dung also said, in addition to the common difficulties and challenges of the world situation due to pandemic and climate change, Vietnam has some advantages like geographical position, politics, investment, and business environment, extensive international economic integration, and it is a promising land for every investor.

Vietnam wishes that the government of Belgium and the Wallonia-Brussels region will continue to accompany and support Vietnam and utilise all opportunities for development.

“In addition to the ongoing projects, we should enhance and promote each other's potential and strengths. Belgium supports Vietnam in the areas that are Belgian strengths to overcome our challenges, especially renovating the growth model under the green economy, digital economy, circular economy, inclusive and sustainable development, energy transformation, innovation, smart agriculture, and biotechnology,” he pointed out.

Moreover, Vietnam is building master plan for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, and would like to listen to the experiences and advices of the government of Belgium and Wallonia-Brussels in boosting regional and inter-regional links.

Besides these, Minister Dung also mentioned issues related to the capacity of grassroots healthcare and preventive medicine, skills to respond to the prevention of pandemic and natural disasters, social administration, and wishes to continue to receive support from the government of Belgium and the Wallonia-Brussels region.

At the meeting, Minister Jeholet highly appreciated the information and proposals of the MPI minister, as well as thanked the MPI and the minister for the help and cooperation.

Minister Jeholet agreed with the comments of Minister Dung and highlighted some industries for cooperation, like smart agriculture, food processing, water management, and treatment.

“During the business trip, we will visit and work with the governments of some localities to understand clearly the cooperation of the two sides, and strengthen the investment of the two countries,” he said.

As of date, the Wallonia-Brussels delegation to Vietnam is the only representative delegation of the government of the region in Asia, which confirms the attention of the region to Vietnam.

“Vietnam is a reliable partner, and we will continue to strengthen cooperation not only between public entities but also among businesses for the strong development of the two countries,” said Minister Jeholet.