Vietnam treasures and advocates deepening its strategic partnership with Italy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told President of Lombardy region Attilio Fontana and an Italian delegation at a reception in Hanoi on October 6, VNA reported.

PM Chinh hailed their visit which takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership.

Informing the PM about the outcomes of his visit, Fontana affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of Italy.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and President of Lombardy region Attilio Fontana. Photo: VNA

He highly evaluated Vietnam's potential for sustainable and comprehensive development with sound development policies and directions, a “human-centered" approach, and an abundant young population.

The delegation also proposed measures to promote bilateral ties in agriculture, industry, aviation, high technology, tertiary education, and more. The aim is to transform potential and opportunities into specific projects and joint activities.

The President of Lombardy said the region wishes to enhance cooperation and access to the ASEAN market through Vietnam.

In reply, the PM proposed the two sides continue reinforcing economic and trade ties by leveraging their similarities and complementing each other. Italy should further open its market for products of its demand and Vietnam’s strength such as apparel, leather, and footwear, and agro-aquatic products.

The two sides should increase the exchange of business delegations, effectively utilize the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and accelerate the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Additionally, efforts should be made to urge the European Commission (EC) to soon remove its "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese aquatic products, he said.

Affirming that Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge to boost economic and trade ties between Italy and ASEAN, the PM suggested further boosting cooperation in culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, studying the possibility of opening a direct flight between Vietnam and Italy, assisting Vietnam in developing the fashion and cultural industries, as well as football, vocational training, and further partnership in digital transformation, high technology, innovation, green transformation, circular economy, renewable energy, and climate change response.

He also proposed the Lombardy region consider the possibility of establishing a partnership with a Vietnamese region, such as the Red River Delta region with Hanoi's capital city, or the southeastern region with Ho Chi Minh City.

The guests vowed to actively engage with the two countries’ relevant agencies to promote coordination in various areas, especially in the fields suggested by the PM.

The Italian Ambassador to Vietnam also pledged to accelerate the opening of a direct air route between the two countries.

Before that, on October 5, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh received the President of Italy’s Lombardy region and an Italian delegation in Hanoi.

Meeting between the Regione Lombardia delegation led by President of Lombardy region Attilio Fontana and Chairman of the People's Committee of Hanoi, Tran Sy Thanh. Source: Italian Embassy in Vietnam/FB

During the reception, Lombardy President Fontana highlighted the region's expect to cooperate with Vietnam’s localities and Hanoi in particular in transport, smart urban areas, biological energy, green energy transition, education, high-quality human resources training, and clean agriculture production.

For his part, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh spoke highly of Lombardy’s socio-economic achievements.

He emphasized the great potential for cooperation between Hanoi and Lombardy while expressing his hope that the two sides will promote collaboration in infrastructure development, mechanics, renewal energy, environment, and training in architecture and fashion.

The city leader highly appreciated the role of the Italian Embassy in Vietnam in promoting exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries' people, and promoting the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy and friendship and cooperation between Hanoi and Italian localities.

He said he hopes with support from local authorities and the Italian Embassy in Vietnam, Italian businesses in general and those from the Lombardy region in particular will strengthen cooperation with Hanoi for the interests of both sides.

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