The signed documents cover the areas of defence, energy transition and jobs and vocational training, said Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who assured that relations between the two countries are entering a new phase of development.
According to the head of government, Scholz’s presence here made it possible to review the diverse cooperation in mutual trust and understanding and to coordinate the main thrusts and measures to increase efficiency and expand cooperation.
In talks Monday, Minh Chinh suggested the federal government encourage domestic companies to invest in Vietnam in areas where the European nation is strong, such as digital and green transformation, renewable energy and strategic infrastructure.
He further suggested that he should urge the European Commission to remove its “yellow card” warning on exports of Vietnamese aquatic products, as Hanoi strictly implements that body’s recommendations regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
For his part, Scholz highlighted the importance Germany attaches to Vietnam’s position and role in its Indo-Pacific strategy and expressed support for strengthening traditional ties and cooperation.
He also called Vietnam a very important partner of German government and business, especially since the entry into force of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in 2020.
The German Chancellor also reiterated that his country wants to help this Southeast Asian nation achieve its goal of reducing net carbon emissions.
In this sense, he reiterated that the energy dialogues initiated between the two countries this year create a basis for sharing opportunities and challenges.
As part of the program of his visit, Scholz was received by the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, who suggested that both parties should further promote their cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, for peace, cooperation and development both in the region and also in the world.
rgh/mpm