Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Polish Ambassador Wojciech Gerwel in Hanoi on October 31, noting that having served as a trade counsellor in Vietnam for many years, the diplomat will bring bilateral economic and trade ties to a new level.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Polish Ambassador Wojciech Gerwel in Hanoi on October 31. (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Gerwel expressed his honour to assume this position, saying that his experience in Vietnam will help promote the two countries’ relations.

Highlighting his special sentiment towards Vietnam, he said the Vietnamese community, including students, in Poland is a bridge helping to intensify bilateral connections.

With regard to priorities during his term, Gerwel said he will prioritise enhancing cooperation in politics, economy, education-training and culture with Vietnam. He expressed his wish for closer coordination between the Polish Embassy and ministries, sectors and localities of Vietnam.

Stressing economic ties, the diplomat said his country is strong in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical production, shipbuilding and mining, so it wants to step up partnerships in these spheres.

Poland has established a trade office in Vietnam and this is one of the first overseas representative offices of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, showing the importance his country attaches to economic links with the Southeast Asian nation, he noted.

Ambassador Gerwel expressed his belief that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will take effect soon. He added LOT Polish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Poland, plans to open a direct air route to Vietnam, and this route will help shorten the two countries’ distance and facilitate tourism cooperation.

At the meeting, PM Phuc pledged the best possible conditions for the ambassador to promote collaboration with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities.

There remains much room for trade ties, he said, noting that bilateral trade is able to rise strongly from the current revenue of over USD 1 billion.

He asked Poland to promote the signing and ratification of the EVFTA. The two sides should also work closely to disburse the preferential credit package of EUR 250 million that Poland pledged for Vietnam.

The Government leader also applauded the planned opening of a direct air route, saying he believes that it will help bolster investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries./.

VNF/VNA