Chile – Vietnam’s important Latin American partner: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (left) and Chilean Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero Espinoza. (Source: VNA)

At a meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero Espinoza on July 4, Hue said his visit aims to promote the comprehensive partnership between the two countries across fields, particularly in economy, trade and investment. 

He suggested the two sides intensify the exchange of all-level delegations, effectively utilise cooperation mechanisms between their Governments, ministries and agencies, and push forward the early ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to which both Vietnam and Chile are signatories. 

At the same time, the two countries should consistently pursue trade liberalisation in order to create optimal conditions for their enterprises to access each other’s markets, the official said. 

Minister Espinoza congratulated Vietnam on achievements the country has recorded in national construction, development and international integration. 

Lauding Vietnam’s role in Southeast Asia, the minister said Vietnam and Chile boast substantial potential to advance their comprehensive partnership. 

The two sides agreed to work together to boost free trade and investment, support small-and medium-sized enterprises, and increase exchanges between their citizens. 

They also vowed to closely work with each other to help Chile host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year in 2019, while coordinating at other multilateral forums. 

Host and guest exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of shared concern, including freedom, security and safety of aviation and navigation, and respect for international law in the East Sea. 

On this occasion, Deputy PM Hue conveyed invitations to visit Vietnam of President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. 

The Vietnamese Deputy PM also met with Finance Minister Felipe Larrain Bascunan, during which the Vietnamese official congratulated Chile on escaping from the “middle income trap” and solving its public debt. 

He urged the two sides to step up cooperation and experience exchange in the macro finance management, and complete legal frameworks to make it easier for their businesses to access the markets of Southeast Asia and Latin America. 

Vietnam is willing to partner with Chile in organising the APEC Year 2019, especially activities within the APEC Financial Ministerial Meeting. 

Deputy PM Hue invited the Chile minister to attend the World Economic Forum on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) slated for September in Vietnam. 

Minister Bascunan expressed his willingness to enhance financial cooperation and share experience in financial and monetary policy management with Vietnam. 

He asked Vietnam to share its experience in hosting APEC Year 2017, saying APEC Year 2019 will focus on technologies in finance, trade war and cyber security./.

VNA