PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Dutch PM Mark Rutte co-host a press conference following their talks in Hanoi on April 9, 2019.

“We believe that with the comprehensive partnership, bilateral ties will continue to grow strongly and  expand to still other  areas. The existing strategic partnerships on climate change adaptation-water management and  sustainable agriculture-food security play a crucial role in the Vietnam-Netherlands relationship and will continue to be the mainstays of the comprehensive partnership between our two countries going forward,” Prime Minister Phuc told reporters after the talks.

Mr. Phuc said the two Prime Ministers supported an early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. Prime Minister Rutte said that the comprehensive partnership ushers in a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. He said Vietnam and the Netherlands share many similarities as both countries are situated in a strategically advantageous position geographically, are home to vast deltas, and enjoy strong agriculture which is a key hard currency earner. Mr. Rutte said that 70 Dutch firms accompanying his Vietnam visit are looking for greater business opportunities in Vietnam.  

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong receives Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Hanoi, April 9, 2019.

During a meeting with Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong the same day, Prime Minister Rutte said Vietnam is one of the Netherlands’ most important partners and attractive markets in the region. Mr. Trong welcomed the establishment of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries stating that it will help boost cooperation in renewable energy, hi-tech agriculture, logistics, and smart city building. The Netherlands has become the biggest European investor in Vietnam and the country’s second largest European trade partner, Mr. Trong said.