(MPI) - Vietnam hopes to further expand and promote cooperation in trade and investment with Ireland, especially in agriculture, information and technology and pharmaceutical industry, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said during a meeting with Minister of State at the Department of Justice of Ireland James Brown in Hanoi on March 15.

At the reception. Photo: MPI

Minister Dung stated that Vietnam and Ireland have enjoyed sound traditional friendship, but partnership in trade, investment and other areas remain modest and are not commensurate with the potential and expectation of the two countries.

Vietnam always values and wishes to promote cooperation with Ireland in various fields, adding that this is a good opportunity for both countries to further enhance investment cooperation and bring mutual benefits.

Vietnam’s policy is to continue restructuring the agricultural sector towards high-efficiency agricultural economy with high-tech base, realising net-zero emission, sustainable development, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, value chain enhancement and aligning with the farmer’ interests.

The minister said these are areas where Ireland has strengths and Vietnam wishes to learn from its experience. The country also calls for Ireland’s assistance in training, capacity building and technology transfer, and also in developing the Business Incubation Center for small and medium-sized enterprises, which is under study.

Regarding the IT area, Vietnam is determined to promote the development of science and technology, innovation, high-quality human resources and digital transformation for rapid and sustainable development. Minister Dung called for Ireland’s cooperation with the MPI’s National Innovation Center (NIC).

Minister Dung emphasised that these mentioned areas are in line with the two countries’ orientations and needs, adding that it is important to cooperate through specific programmes and projects and programs that benefit both sides.

For his part, Browne highlighted that Vietnam and Ireland share similarities in history and culture distance. There are ample rooms and significant opportunities for cooperation in trade and investment, including in agriculture, IT and pharmaceuticals.

He affirmed that Ireland stands ready to cooperate with Vietnam in the field of agriculture, asking both sides identify specific and key areas for discussion.

Browne also stressed that agriculture is an important and key sector in Ireland with many high-added value products, and hoped that more Irish products would access the Vietnamese market./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment