Vietnam and Italy officially established diplomatic relations on March 23, 1973. Since then, the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and two peoples has enjoyed very positive developments.
In recent years, Vietnam - Italy trade relations have achieved increasingly positive development. Currently, the Italy is the 18th trade partner of Vietnam, specifically being the 18th largest in export and 15th largest in import. In the EU region, Italy is a partner in the 5th largest export market and the 3rd largest import market of Vietnam. In 2012, in the context of global economic slowdown, the two-way trade turnover reached US$2.85 billion, up 12.5 per cent from 2011 (7.3 percent lower than the EU average growth). Specifically, Vietnam earned US$1.88 billion from export to Italy, up 22.3 per cent. It imported US$972 million worth of commodities from the European nation, down 2.7 per cent.
As of the end of September 2012, Italy invested US$194 million in 40 projects in Vietnam. Cooperative relations in other areas like education, culture and technology have constantly developed. These important achievements result from the determination and effort of the governments, relevant bodies and particularly business communities of the two nations. Notably, in 2008, the Italian Government placed Vietnam on the list for cooperation priority in trade and investment, and named it the destination for Italian businesses until 2020. Besides, Italy is actively promoting cooperation in culture (preserving My Son vestige site), education and training (granting scholarships, supporting research, providing training for universities and schools) and locality to locality cooperation.
In 2013, Vietnam and Italy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The two sides will jointly organise celebrating activities in the framework of the Vietnam Year in Italy and the Italy Year in Vietnam. This important time marks a new development stage of traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. And, starting for this significant year, on January 21, 2013, Vietnam and Italy officially established the strategic partnership, marking the beginning of a new stage of developing bilateral relations in an effective, comprehensive and sustainable manner.
Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi said Vietnam is given a new central place in Italy’s foreign policy, as its relations with the Asian region are growing dynamically. The signing of a joint statement on the establishment of the Italy - Vietnam strategic partnership has helped both nations improve the quality of cooperation. In the coming time, Italy will continue to assist Vietnam to strengthen economic and trade relations with the EU, help Vietnam to perfect the market economy and support the EU’s early recognition of Vietnam as a market economy.
Speaking at a celebrating ceremony at Parco della Musica Auditorium (Rome), Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam considers Italy an important partner in Europe and the world. The potential for two-way economic cooperation is huge, but the most important remains the highest support from the two governments, which is translated by policies, regulations, and streamlined administrative procedures. Vietnam is always eager and willing to promote relations with Italy. Based on results of the 40-year cooperation, along with the resolve and effort of both sides, the Vietnam - Italy strategic partnership will develop in the spirit of equality for mutual benefit.
Thien Tan
Vietnamese
