Brussels (VNA) – A forum was held in Brussels, Belgium on September 18 topromote economic ties between Vietnam and Belgium and other European nations,with more than 100 business representatives in attendance.

Deputy PrimeMinister Vuong Dinh Hue, who chaired the event, detailed Vietam’ssocio-economic development plans and highlighted the country’s role inconnecting European firms with the Asia–Pacific market.

The Vietnamese Governmentpledges to continue building a transparent, and friendly investment environmentfor investors, Hue said.

Hue encouragedBelgian and European firms to hasten the signing and ratification of theVietnam – EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which is expected to createopportunities for enterprises of both sides, adding that they should invest inthe sectors of common interest, particularly manufacturing, hi-tech,infrastructure, environment, finance – banking, agro-forestry-fishery, foodprocessing, energy, ICT, and pharmaceuticals.

The Deputy PMcalled on investors to study opportunities to become strategic partners ofVietnamese state-owned enterprises during the equitisation and divestmentprocess.

“Nothing can getin the way of boosting relations between Vietnam and Belgium and the EU ingeneral in a stronger manner”, he said.

Belgian andEuropean enterprises expressed their impression at the socio-economicachievements Vietnam has made over the years.

They also showedinterest in investment opportunities in Vietnam, and noted the country’simportant position in business links between the EU and Asia – Pacific.

They also maderecommendations to improve the Vietnamese investment climate, includingstrengthening dialogues between the Government and enterprises.

Most participants laudedthe potential role of EVFTA in creating a legal framework and opportunities forboth sides’ firms.

The same day, the Vietnameseofficial had separate meetings with leaders of a number of groups, namely theBeverage AB InBev Group and the steel wire transformation and coatings BekaertS.A Group of Belgium and Pharma Group Vietnam.

During themeetings, he informed the groups of Vietnam’s policies on developing sectors relevantto them, and encouraged them to connect with Vietnamese firms to expandoperations in the country.

The groups praisedthe measures Vietnam has taken to create a favourable business environment forforeign investors.

They alsoreiterated their support for putting the EVFTA into effect soon and will conveythis message to the governments of EU member states.-VNA