Vietnam - Denmark: Partnership for Development

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and his wife will pay an official visit to Vietnam from November 27 to December 1, 2011 to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1971 - 2011). The visit serves an important role in uplifting bilateral ties. Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on this issue. Quynh Mai reports.

 

Denmark was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. On November 25, 1971 when the Vietnamese were undergoing an intense war for unification, the two countries forged diplomatic relations. Vietnamese people will never forget Denmark’s valuable material and spiritual support for Vietnam in the struggle for independence as well as in national construction and development. That thousands of Danish people marched down to streets to protest the war and demand for peace restoration in Vietnam remains a vivid image in the mind of many Vietnamese people.

 

And, when Vietnam started rebuilding the nation after the war, Denmark was always side by side with Vietnam, supported and provided important development aid which has been effectively used, especially in poverty reduction, health and education development. To date, Denmark has granted a total non-refundable aid of over US$1 billion to Vietnam, thus becoming a top EU and international donor for Vietnam.

 

In climate change response in particular, Denmark is now the largest donor of non-refundable aid for Vietnam, with US$40 million for the Vietnamese National Target Programme to Respond to Climate Change and the National Target Programme on Efficient and Effective Energy Use. 

 

During his official visit to Denmark in September 2009, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Danish leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to “Partnership for Development” and shift the focus from “Development Support Cooperation” to “Equitable Cooperation for Mutual Benefit” that prioritize greater cooperation in economy, trade, investment, education, scientific research and climate change response.

 

At present, Denmark has become an important EU economic partner of Vietnam. Danish companies tapped into Vietnam from the early days of “Doi moi” and their presence is increasingly visible. To date, Denmark has 92 projects with a total registered investment capital of US$622 million, ranking seventh among EU countries. Leading economic groups in Denmark are expanding their effective investment and business in Vietnam, focusing on seaport, shipping, beverage, cement, and food processing. Two-way trade turnover has steadily grown at an average of 15-20 percent a year, expected to reach US$311 million in 2011. However, the two governments are aware of the need to create more favourable conditions to promote potential economic, trade and investment cooperation bringing two-way trade to US$1 billion in a few years to come.

 

Looking back on the past four decades, we are pleased that the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark have continuously been consolidated and developed to respond to the aspiration and interest of the two peoples, contributing to peace, stability and development in each region and the world.

 

At the invitation of Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and his wife will pay an official visit Vietnam from November 27 to December 1, 2011. The visit is highly significant event to the bilateral relations and the central event in the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1971 - 2011). The visit demonstrates the desire and determination of the Royal Family, the Government and the people of Denmark for the fine development of friendly and cooperative relations with Vietnam. Various political, cultural and artistic activities will be organised during the visit. The two sides will also sign several important cooperation documents in politics-diplomacy, economy, development cooperation, culture and education. Particularly, the Crown Prince is accompanied by 40 leading Danish enterprises which seek investment and business opportunities in Vietnam. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Vietnamese enterprises need to seize this opportunity to contact and work towards the signing of business contracts and agreements. I strongly believe that Crown Prince Frederik’s visit will be successful contributing to elevating bilateral relations to a new height under the spirit of Partnership for Development agreed by the two countries’ leaders.

 

As I said, the fine friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries are developing positively, deeply and broadly on a solid foundation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to perform its tasks of nurturing and strengthening the fine relationship and cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two peoples, effectively implementing agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, investment, development cooperation, education, science, technology and climate change response.

 

To achieve these objectives, I think there should be close coordination and active support from ministries, agencies and localities, the support of the business community and the two peoples who have long forged this friendship. Besides, both countries are discussing high-level exchange visits in 2012 to create a new momentum for promoting the bilateral relationships positively and extensively.