Vietnam desires stronger connections with Ivory Coast

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) hosts Foreign Minister of Ivory Coast Amon-Tanoh.

The Vietnamese government leader voiced Vietnam’s support for commitments to stepping up cooperation between the two nations in economics as well as other fields, including national defence.

He called on the Ivory Coast to offer favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to operate in the African country and for Vietnamese goods to gain entry into the market while hoping that businesses will augment trade promotion activities in the time ahead.

PM Phuc said he expects that Vietnam and the Ivory Coast will soon reach concrete outcomes in new cooperation areas, assuring Vietnam’s readiness to share its experience and assist the Ivory Coast in rice cultivation. 

He urged both nations to optimise their strength in cashew export, cooperate with and provide mutual support in this regard. 

The Ivory Coast would become a bridge for Vietnam to penetrate the African market while Vietnam would act as a gateway for the Ivory Coast to gain access to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Vietnam’s major partners, he said. 

Phuc thanked the Ivory Coast Government for the attention and favourable conditions it has given to the Vietnamese community in the host country. 

In reply, Amon-Tanoh informed the PM about the outcomes of his talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, saying the two sides discussed many solutions for the promotion of the bilateral ties in the time ahead. 

He said with an open and attractive business environment, the Ivory Coast wishes to draw more foreign investors, including those from Vietnam. 

The minister suggested both sides soon sign agreements on investment protection and double taxation avoidance so as to improve the efficiency of the bilateral economic ties. 

In the process of economic modernization, the Ivory Coast desires to develop the processing industry, especially cashew processing, he said, highlighting this as an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to invest in the country. 

Host and guest also consented to diversify collaboration in national defence and health care.

Amon-Tanoh congratulated Vietnam on its recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure with a record number of votes.

He also affirmed his nation’s readiness to share its experience with Vietnam in successfully performing this role while congratulating Vietnam’s attainments and contributions to peace keeping activities in Africa and South Sudan.