Vietnamese and Italian officials. VNA photo

ROME – Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Dương Hải Hưng met with the President of the Regional Council of Puglia, Cera Napoleone, and Mayors of Bari, Brindisi and Lecce cities, as part of the Việt Nam - Italy Year 2023 programme in Puglia from October 11-12.

The hosts said Puglia was prioritising innovation in aviation, automation, mechanical engineering, renewable energy and marine economy.

On the back of shared interests and complementary advantages in economic sectors, Hưng hoped that authorities and businesses of both sides would further enhance specific cooperation.

At a seminar on raising awareness of the sea and the blue vision to 2030 of Puglia, the Vietnamese ambassador highlighted potential areas of Việt Nam's maritime economy, including its strategic location in international shipping routes, extensive fishing grounds, abundant and diverse marine biological resources, minerals, oil and gas and rich marine tourism resources.

He said Việt Nam supported joint efforts in developing a sustainable and climate-resilient ocean economy through specific cooperation activities with partners, particularly Italy, a country with a long coastline and substantial potential and strengths in maritime economy, including Puglia.

Hưng also pointed out areas in which Việt Nam, together with Puglia region and Italy in general, could work together, including sustainable oil and gas exploration, offshore wind power, aquaculture and fishing; marine tourism, maritime management, biodiversity conservation and marine environment protection, among others.

The seminar was held on the sidelines of the Puglia Boat Show from October 11-15 which brings together enterprises and departments in the maritime and shipbuilding industry, fishing, marine tourism, water sports, and maritime training from Italy, Puglia and foreign countries.

On the occasion, Hưng presented a collection of five Vietnamese films to Puglia region to enhance cultural exchanges between the two sides. He also had a meeting and presentation about Việt Nam with representatives of intellectuals and business members of the Rotary Club in the region. VNA/VNS