A launching ceremony on the honorary consulate office of Poland in Đà Nẵng City. It aims to boost culture exchange, investment, trade and education between Việt Nam and Poland, Đà Nẵng and EU. — Photo courtesy of honorary consulate office of Poland

ĐÀ NẴNG — Poland has officially opened its honorary consulate in Đà Nẵng after a year of construction, aiming to strengthen cultural exchange, investment, trade and education between the two countries while connecting central Việt Nam with Europe.

The office, located on Chương Dương Street along the Hàn River, will serve the central coastal provinces and cities of Hà Tĩnh, former Quảng Trị, Quảng Bình, Huế, Quảng Ngãi, former provinces of Quảng Nam, Bình Định, Phú Yên and Đà Nẵng City.

The inauguration was held to mark the 107th anniversary of Poland’s National Independence Day.

Head of Mission from the Embassy of Poland Joanna Skoczek highlighted the consulate’s important role for the growing Polish community in Đà Nẵng and surrounding areas, reaffirming the Embassy’s full support for its activities.

She said: “Wherever there are Poles, there is the spirit of Poland.”

Skoczek also met city leaders to discuss ways to boost the presence of Polish companies and tourists in Đà Nẵng. City authorities presented investment incentives, particularly in new technologies, while cultural cooperation – including the restoration of heritage sites – was a key theme, continuing the legacy of Polish architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski, known as ‘Kazik,’ in Hội An ancient town and Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary.

Honorary Consul Piotr Frieske confirmed his commitment to fostering closer cooperation between Poland and Việt Nam in business, education and culture in this rapidly developing region.

“This milestone reflects the deep friendship between Poland and Việt Nam, opening new opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, education and sustainable development. I am convinced this step will further strengthen ties between Poland, Đà Nẵng and Việt Nam,” he said.

Việt Nam is among the top five trading partners of Poland in the Asia-Pacific region, while Poland is a leading partner in central Eastern Europe.

Last year, a Polish Book Corner was opened at the city’s College of Science and Education under Đà Nẵng University, supported by the Polish Embassy in Việt Nam. About 145 Polish nationals have registered for temporary residence in Đà Nẵng City.

Đà Nẵng also hosts consular offices of Japan, Korea, Laos, Russia, China and Spain, while a Schengen visa application centre for Belgium, Germany and Italy opened in 2019. The city also inaugurated a joint United Kingdom and Australia Visa Application Centre in 2016. — VNS