High expectations for stronger economic and trade ties with Poland

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomes Polish Ambassador Wojciech Gerwel (L)

At a reception in Hanoi on October 31 for the Polish diplomat who paid a courtesy visit marking the start of his term in Vietnam, PM Phuc pledged optimal conditions for the latter to boost collaboration with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities, saying that there is much room for elevating bilateral trade to a higher level from the current figure of more than US$1 billion.

He urged Poland to expedite the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), while suggesting both sides should also work closely to disburse the preferential credit package of 250 million EUR that Poland pledged for Vietnam under an agreement signed during the Vietnam visit by the Polish President.

The cabinet leader also commended the scheduled opening of a Vietnam-Poland direct air route, which he, believes will help intensify investment, tourism and cross- cultural exchange between the two nations.

In reply, Ambassador Gerwel expressed his honour to hold this position, through which, he will be able to gain a wealth of experience and better understanding about Vietnam as a good way of further reinforcing the two countries’ relations. He described the Vietnamese community, including students as a bridge helping to promote bilateral cooperation.

Regarding priorities during his term, the Polish diplomat said he will prioritize stepping up cooperation in politics, economics, education-training and culture with Vietnam, and showed his wish for closer coordination between the Polish Embassy and Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities.

Concerning economic ties, Gerwel highlighted areas of his nation’s strengths such as agriculture, food and pharmaceutical production, shipbuilding and mining, saying Poland desires to enhance partnerships in these realms with Vietnam.

Poland has set up a trade office in Vietnam and this is one of the first overseas representative offices of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, thus indicating his country’s recognition of importance to economic links with the Southeast Asian nation, he noted.

Ambassador Gerwel also showed high hopes for the EVFTA to come into force soon. He added LOT Polish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Poland, is destined to open a direct air route to Vietnam, and this route will help shorten the two countries’ distance and increase stronger tourism connections.