Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc welcomes German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier.– VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI – Việt Nam wants to enhance co-operation with Germany, hoping the European nation will provide support in developing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital technology and boosting start-up development and innovation, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc told visiting German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier .

During a reception for Altmaier in Hà Nội on Monday, PM Phúc suggested that the German side strengthen investment co-operation with Việt Nam, especially in infrastructure and energy development projects, as well as university-level education.

The two sides need to focus on measures to promote two-way trade turnover, he said, adding that Việt Nam hopes Germany will sign and adopt the European Union-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He thanked the German government for its willingness to strengthen ties with his country, while appreciating the relations between German states and Vietnamese localities alongside the European country’s loosening of legal conditions for receiving Vietnamese labourers to Germany.

Altmaier, for his part, highlighted the potential for the two countries to expand their co-operation, adding that Germany wishes to enhance its friendship with Việt Nam.

He hoped the two sides will continue to work closely to speed up the progress of Metro No.2 project in HCM City.

Germany wants to develop artificial intelligence, digitalisation and start-ups in Việt Nam, he said, affirming that his country is willing to invite Vietnamese firms to join Germany’s SME renovation programme.

Altmaier stressed that his country is ready to work with Việt Nam in renewable energy development and education and training.

In his response, PM Phúc said the Vietnamese Government is making every effort to accelerate the construction of Metro No.2, adding that the country is also promoting technology development.

He said that Germany’s official development assistance (ODA)-funded projects have made important contributions to Việt Nam’s development, expressing his hope that the German government will continue to provide ODA capital for Việt Nam.

The Vietnamese leader said Altmaier’s visit to Việt Nam is an important event towards enhancing relations between the two countries.

Germany is now the largest trade partner of Việt Nam in the EU and Europe, with their two-way trade recording impressive growth in recent years. –VNS