 |
Opening the dialogue, Prime Minister Phuc attributed Vietnam’s economic achievements to political and social stability, a strong determination to reform, and an improved business environment which have resulted in rapid and continuous growth of GDP – almost 6.7% per year. In 2018, Vietnam’s economy grew 7.08%, per capita GDP reached 2,600 USD, and its trade revenue totaled 480 billion USD with a trade surplus of 7.4 billion USD.
Mr. Phuc asked EU companies to support the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which Vietnam and the EU are working to sign and ratify very soon.
Prime Minister Phuc said Vietnam considers Industry 4.0 a big opportunity, allowing countries around the world to compete using innovation in addition to traditional factors like free trade, size, experience, labor, and investment capital. Industry 4.0 is also a revolution of policy, he said, adding that Vietnam has launched a program called “Made in Vietnam 4.0” which encourages industries based on new policies, mindset, and technologies.
Vietnam and the WEF signed a cooperation agreement on Thursday on building an Industry 4.0 Center in Vietnam and connecting it with similar centers in the US and Europe. This agreement will make Vietnam a leader in building a policy framework that is receptive to new technologies, stepping up public-private partnerships to create breakthroughs, and pursuing environment-friendly services and products. Prime Minister Phuc called on international firms to come to Vietnam and make Industry 4.0 products here.
