Hungary-Vietnam strengthen trade ties

Viet Nam News has recently interviewed Hungarian Ambassador László Vizi on the occasion of Hungary’s National Day, asking about the country’s achievements in EU Presidency, bilateral relations and culture.

Vizi cited achievements of the Hungarian EU Presidency such as the almost full adoption of the economic legislation package, the conclusion of the Roma Strategy and the Danube Strategy, as well as the closure of the accession negotiations with Croatia.

In terms of cultural relations between Vietnam and Hungary, Vizi said the recent establishment of the Vietnamese-Hungarian Culture Club is aimed at strengthening such ties.

Economic relations between the two countries are similarly progressing, notes the Ambassador. “Viet Nam has been one of the few countries that have shown an increase in bilateral trade volume, despite the global financial and economic crisis. Hungary’s exports to Viet Nam reached a record amount last year since we shifted to a new convertible currencies payment regime two decades ago.”

Bilateral economic relations between the two countries include a cooperation agreement signed by ITD-Hungary and its Vietnamese counterpart VIETRADE.

The Hungarian government’s biggest aid project in Viet Nam is the 500-bed oncological hospital in Can Tho, which has a budget of €60 million ($85.8 million).

Viyi said bilateral relations in the field of medicine and healthcare are very close. “The prestigious Hungarian educational, health and research institute Semmelweis University plans to set up a medical education center in Viet Nam.”