Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia and Tanzania Nguyen Kim Doanh (Photo: VOV)
Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia and Tanzania Nguyen Kim Doanh talked with the Voice of Vietnam about the significance of State President Tran Dai Quang’s visit to Ethiopia from August 23rd-25th.
Reporter: How important is the visit to Ethiopia by Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang, Ambassador?
Ambassador Doanh: Ethiopia and Vietnam have had diplomatic relations since 1976. Although the traditional relationship and support for each other at international forums is good, the economic cooperation is limited although there is huge potential.
This visit, the first visit by a Vietnamese leader to this large and most populous country in the Horn of Africa, will open up new prospects for investment and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Ethiopia appreciates Vietnam’s success in economic development and national construction. Therefore, Ethiopia desires Vietnam to share experience in its renewal process and economic development, and is willing to make good conditions for Vietnamese businesses in Ethiopia.
Additionally, during the visit, State President Tran Dai Quang will visit the African Union (AU) headquarters and meet with AU leaders to discuss measures on strengthening the Vietnam - AU relationship.
Reporter: Are any agreements signed during the visit?
Ambassador Doanh: The visit holds great significance for the two countries, both politically and economically. In terms of politics, the visit will create a framework for joint cooperation and a trust for continued support of each other at international forums. Meanwhile, it will help open up great prospects on economic cooperation, as Vietnam has another market and Ethiopia has another partner for development and investment attraction.
During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two Foreign Ministries, on investment promotion, and on agricultural cooperation.
I hope that after the visit, the two sides will negotiate and sign other documents, especially the Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investment and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, in order to increase cooperation in the future.
Reporter: Vietnam and Ethiopia share a lot of similarities in population, agriculture, industry and tourism. Ethiopia is among African countries that have strong economic growth over the past years. What advantages in economic cooperation can the two sides exploit?
Ambassador Doanh: Ethiopia has great advantage in area; it is 3 times larger than Vietnam, with a population of over 100 million, fertile land and plentiful natural resources; however, it lacks management experience and capital.
Vietnam can share experience with Ethiopia in more efficiently exploiting natural conditions and resources for economic development, becoming an average income country by 2025.
Meanwhile, Vietnam has another market for the consumption of goods, and another investment market as Ethiopia can provide a large number of laborers.
It is certain that the visit will open up a new framework for cooperation in all areas between Vietnam and Ethiopia, as well as between Vietnam and the AU.
Reporter: Thank you very much!