(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for the early conclusion of negotiations on the Vietnam-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at a reception in Hanoi on Monday for UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and leaders of 19 major UAE corporations.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Hanoi on Aug 26, 2024. (photo: VOV) |
PM Chinh suggested facilitating cooperation and investment between businesses of both countries, considering the possibility of reducing tariffs on certain goods to leverage complementary strengths of their economies, aiming for a two-way trade target of 10 billion USD.
Chinh proposed both countries to enhance collaboration in Halal food industry and the Vietnamese export of Halal products, seafood, fresh fruits, and processed foods to the UAE and the Middle East. He encouraged the UAE to support the establishment of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and invest in other sectors.
As both sides should enhance collaboration in labour, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges through easing visa requirements and launching direct flights, Chinh said Vietnam would step up efforts to train human resources to meet the UAE's needs.
PM Chinh noted that Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge for the UAE to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, while considering the UAE as a gateway to foster collaboration with the Middle East.
Al Zeyoudi said the UAE wants to strengthen collaboration with Vietnamese firms in the above mentioned areas, adding that the UAE plans to establish a council of business cooperation with Vietnam to deepen and improve the effectiveness of Vietnam-UAE cooperation.