Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Nguyen Van Thao recently attended the ASEAN Day jointly held by Luxembourg’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of the Economy, and Chamber of Commerce, and the ASEAN Brussels Committee, reported VNA Thursday.

Delegates participating in ASEAN Day pose for a photo. Source: Lao Embassy in Brussels

The third edition brings together stakeholders from embassies and governments from the 10 ASEAN countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines) and the private sector.

The event provided a unique platform for Luxembourgish companies to exchange information and explore business opportunities in the areas of innovation, digital transformation, connectivity, industry 4.0, healthtech and sustainable finance.

Speaking at the event, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn emphasised that Luxembourg attaches great importance to its relations with Southeast Asian countries, and hopes to further strengthen economic cooperation and expand connectivity with the ASEAN in various fields from finance, investment, fintech, transportation, logistics, to information and communication technology.

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Franz Fayot and Chamber of Commerce President Luc Frieden expressed satisfaction with sustainable growth in trade exchanges between the two sides, from EUR 205 million (US$ 216.1 million) in 2019 to EUR 273.8 million (US$ 289.4 million) last year.

The officials also outlined measures to further strengthen economic, trade and financial cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Nguyen Van Thao and representatives of cargo carrier Cargolux. Photo: VNA

The parties also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Participating delegates and businesses appreciated the role, position and great potential of ASEAN, including Vietnam. Many praised Vietnam's economic achievements, and its government's efforts for post-pandemic recovery and green and sustainable development.

They agreed Vietnam is one of Luxembourg's most important partners in ASEAN, adding that it is necessary to continue to take advantage of existing agreements, including the Vietnam-Luxembourg Free Trade Agreement, and seek cooperation opportunities in new fields.

Participating delegates and businesses appreciated the role, position and great potential of ASEAN, including Vietnam. Source: Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

Ambassador Thao appreciated Luxembourg's position as one of the leading European and global financial and technology centers, and emphasised the complementarity of Luxembourg and EU economies with those of Southeast Asia.

The two sides still have great potential and opportunities to strengthen cooperation, he stated, adding that the Vietnamese Government always welcomes and creates favourable conditions for Luxembourg businesses to invest and promote their strengths in such fields as finance, air transport, tourism, and construction.

In March, Ambassador Thao has paid a visit to Luxembourg during which he met with officials from a number of local ministries, organisations and corporations to seek stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.

Luxembourg partners affirmed that they are ready to coordinate with Vietnam to organise celebrations of the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973 – 2023).

Thao and Daniel Liebermann, who is in charge of industry and new technologies at the Ministry of Economy, agreed to together push for the exchange of delegations at all levels and build plans for future cooperation with focus on finance, logistics, hi-tech, tourism, and high-quality human resources training.

CEO of Luxembourg for Finance Nicolas Mackel agreed to help Vietnam access funding for sustainable development in the fields of innovation, smart infrastructure, green transport and startups.

The Vietnamese ambassador later had discussions with representatives of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce where the two sides pledged to provide all possible conditions for enterprises from the two countries to unleash their potential in finance, aviation, tourism and construction.

The diplomat also met with leaders of several major local companies, who wished to receive support from the Vietnamese Embassy to gain broader access to Vietnam and neighbouring markets.

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