Vietnam has massive potential for EU businesses: Greeke diplomat

Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Terens - Nikolaos Quick

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, the visiting Greek official praised the host country’s economic development and highlighted: “Vietnam, with a population of 95 million and a fast growing economy, is a rising economic power in South East Asia”.

He pointed out Greek businesses’ expertise, know-how, experience and dynamism, saying that the cooperation between Vietnamese and Greek businesses presents opportunities for synergies and mutual growth in a variety of sectors, particularly in transport and logistics, shipping and the energy sector.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also underlined the potential for mutual tourism development thanks to the two nations’ rich culture, hospitality and natural environment as a common feature and said: “Greek businesses’ know that in Vietnam they will have the opportunity to partner with trustworthy and reliable counterparts”.

He touched upon the conclusion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) this summer, expressing his hope the European Parliament will approve the deal swiftly to allow businesses, workers, farmers and consumers to reap the benefits as soon as possible. According to the official, the EU-Vietnam FTA is the most ambitious and comprehensive FTA that the EU has ever concluded with a developing country. It shows Vietnam’s dynamic approach in pursuing international integration for the good of its citizens. The agreement will open up new opportunities for EU and Vietnamese operators to export and invest. It will bring unprecedented advantages and benefits for European and Vietnamese companies, workers and consumers, he added.

The Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed that his country is a staunch supporter of the early conclusion and full implementation of both trade and investment agreements.

He further added that as a member of the EU in the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Western Europe and Asia, Greece boasts both the geographical location and the transport infrastructure as well as human capital to constitute a trade hub supporting and developing trade investment and flow in an out of Europe.