The ongoing trip of Greek President Karolos Papoulias to Vietnam, slated from October 11-16 at the invitation of his host Nguyen Minh Triet, is expected to push the bilateral relations up to a new height, with the focus on cooperation in trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology.
President Karolos is being accompanied by deputy ministers of foreign affairs, health and social solidarity, mercantile marine and island policy, Greek ambassador to Vietnam and other senior officials.
The Greek leader is scheduled to hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart, President Triet, National Assembly’s Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong and meet with Party Chief Nong Duc Manh, Legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap today.
Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the European nation has developed considerably following a number of high-profile visits, including the trip to Greece by President Triet June this year, and the visit to Vietnam by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis May 2007.
The economic and trade cooperation, however, has not yet met the two sides’ wishes and potentials. Two-way trade in the first eight months of this year reached US$90 million, which is equal to the value for the whole of last year.
The week-long visit, thus, is expected to see the signing of some agreements on avoidance of double taxation, investment encouragement and protection and marine cooperation, in order to boost further the bilateral ties.
A bilateral business forum will be also held on the occasion, with the participation of 20 leading firms of Greece in fields of pharmacy, foodstuff, construction, shipbuilding, woodworks, distribution, banking, and lottery.
The forum, conducted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Greek Embassy in Vietnam, will be a good chance for both sides’ businesses to study and expand their markets. (VNS, People’s Army, Youth)
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