Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh and Nepalese Minister for Commerce Romi Gauchan Thakali
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The host leader congratulated Nepal on its development and re-construction achievements, including the settlement of consequences of the historic earthquake in April 2015 and the issuance of a new constitution in September 2015.
Vietnam treasures the traditional friendship with Nepal, said Deputy PM Minh, who also expressed his pleasure at the solidified bilateral relationship, especially the flourishing cooperation between their ruling parties.
He suggested both sides to soon finalize the negotiation on an agreement on visa exemption for each other’s holders of diplomatic and official passports, along with cooperation agreements in economy, investment, trade, culture, tourism and aviation.
In economics, PM Minh said that the two-way trade turnover only touched US$ 41 million in 2016, which is still modest compared to potential. Hence, the host leader asked Nepal to provide optimal conditions for Vietnamese firms to seek opportunities for investment in energy, infrastructure and telecommunications, and to export consumer goods to this country.
According to Deputy PM Minh, Vietnam set up an honorary consulate in Kathmandu Capital in October 2016, hoping that Nepal will consider establishing a corresponding office in the Southeast Asian nation to beef up the bilateral ties.
In return, Minister Romi Gauchan Thakali expressed his admiration at Vietnam’s socio-economic accomplishments, noting that his country wants to strengthen relations with Vietnam, particularly in economy and trade.
The Minister said that Nepal attaches great importance to further enhance friendship with Vietnam, especially in the field of economy and trade. He said: "We would like to actively exchange delegations at all levels as well as exchanging people, sharing experiences and promoting cooperation opportunities."
