A working visit of a Hanoi delegation to Spain and Switzerland led by Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan between September 3-12 was meant to strengthen ties with these two countries’ localities.In the framework of the visit, the delegation held meetings with authorities and specialized agencies in Spain and Switzerland with a view to learning experience on building capabilities, promoting investment in the fields of urban management, transport, environmental protection, tourism development, cultural heritage conservation, among others.
Hanoi-Madrid cooperation to boost Vietnam – Spain good relations
In the Spanish capital of Madrid, the delegation met with the city’s Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida.
Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan and Mayor of Madrid José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn
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He affirmed the importance the relationship between Vietnam and Spain and the one between Hanoi and Madrid, considering them a foundation for the two capitals to further promote cooperation in the time ahead.
The visit was a chance for the two cities to debate issues of mutual interest, Tuan stressed.
For his part, José Luis Martínez-Almeida said that Hanoi and Madrid should continue to strengthen cooperation and exchange experience on solving issues emanated in megalopolises like the two capital cities.
Madrid and its specialized agencies can share their experiences in transport management, public passenger transport and tourism development with Hanoi, José Luis Martínez-Almeida added.
* Also in Madrid, the delegation worked with Madrid Investment Attraction, the city’s body that helps all foreign companies wanting to establish themselves in Madrid, to discuss potential fields of cooperation.
Speaking at the meeting, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan gave an overview of Hanoi city and emphasized that Hanoi is making efforts to lure investment. The city’s government has created the best conditions for investors, including those from Spain to establish long-term business in Hanoi.
For his part, Deputy Director of the Madrid Investment Attraction Daniel Zamorano expressed his optimism about the prospect of increasing investments between the two cities.
Hanoi and Barcelona enhance cooperation
Also on the business trip in Spain, the Hanoi delegation paid a working visit to Barcelona and had meeting with Felip Roca, head of the city’s International Relations Service.
The two sides exchanged about each other’s organizational structure of the government apparatus, experience on policy making, supervisory activities, and other issues of mutual interest.
* In Barcelona, the Hanoi delegation also visited Barcelona Activa, the city’s Investment Promotion Office - specializing in the field of investment promotion, trade and business development and met with Mario Rubert, the office’s head.
At the meeting, both sides said that the exchanges between Hanoi and Spain are still quite modest while the potential of bilateral cooperation has not been fully exploited.
The Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will open many opportunities for trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and EU member countries, including Spain.
Nguyen Ngoc Tuan hoped that Barcelona Activa would be a bridge to enhance the linkages between the two cities, as well as support Spanish businesses who wish to invest and do business in Hanoi.
The head of Barcelona Activa expressed his willingness to share experience on supporting business development with the counterpart from Hanoi.
Hanoi to expand cooperation with Switzerland’s localities
The delegation works with Bern Mayor Alec Von Graffenried. Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn
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Besides, Bern attaches great importance to conservation and preservation of architectural works and unique cultural features that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Over the past few years, the friendly relationship between Hanoi and Bern has always been strengthened with many meaningful activities.
Alec Von Graffenried affirmed that he, together with the Bern city’s government, will work harder to foster the relationship between the two countries' capitals.
Promoting cooperation through Vietnam’s embassies in the two countries
The delegation takes photos at Spanish embassy. Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn
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At the meetings, the embassies provided main information of the relations of Vietnam with Spain and Switzerland. The Vietnamese ambassadors to these two countries highly valued the delegation’s visit.
Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan briefed the ambassadors on Hanoi’s socio-economic development and thanked the embassies for their support in promoting Hanoi’s relations with the world.
Tuan also wished the ambassadors to keep paying attention and promoting Hanoi, as well as the friendly relationship between the Vietnamese capitals and European cities with a view to enhancing investment and cooperation in numerous fields.
