Vietnam attaches a great deal of importance to developing itsfriendship and cooperating more with Greece , said Vice PresidentNguyen Thi Doan.

Madame Doan stated this whilepaying a courtesy visit to Greek President Karolos Papoulias, inAthens on May 31, on the occasion of her attending the 22 nd GlobalSummit of Women.

Doan said she hoped that both countrieswill step up the exchange of delegations at all levels to enhanceeconomic, trade and investment, as well as cooperating at the UN andother international forums.

While sympathysing with thedifficulties and challenges that Greece is facing, Vice President Doansaid she believes Greece will soon overcome its economic woes anddevelop even further.

Greek President Karolos Papouliaspraised Vietnam for its achievements in the past and at present andsaid that Greece is willing to work with Vietnam in every field.

With its potential, resolve and will, Greece issure to overcome its current difficulties and uphold its role in Europe, said the President.

Earlier, Vice President Doan hadpresided over the Vietnam-Greece business forum, which attractedhundreds of businesspeople from both countries.

She said that both countries have their own strengths and weaknesses and could supplement each other.

Since 2011 economic and trade ties between the two countries have seenstrong growth with Vietnam ’s export revenue to Greece increasing by40 percent, while Greek exports to Vietnam have quadrupled comparedto previous years.

Businesses from both countries shouldpromote cooperation for their mutual development, especially in themaritime sector as well as agriculture, seafood, handicrafts, foodprocessing, garments, tourism, health care, education and training, saidDoan.

She also affirmed that Vietnam will continue toimprove its administrative procedures to create a more favorable, openand transparent environment for foreign investors.-VNA