PM greets Chairman of Russia’s State Duma

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Chairman of Russia’s State Duma Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin, Ha Noi, December 24, 2018 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

The Government chief made the proposal on December 24 in Ha Noi while receiving Chairman of Russia’s State Duma Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin who was on an official visit to Viet Nam. 

PM Phuc expressed the satisfaction at the special political ties between the two countries. He was convinced that the official visit would contribute to consolidating the fine relations. 

He hailed the exchanges of delegations and regular contacts among the two national assemblies.

To make breakthroughs in achieving the two-way trade turnover of US$ 10 billion by 2020, ministries and agencies should work closely to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the EAEU, said PM Phuc. He recommended the Duma uphold their supervisory role to successfully realize the agreement. The two sides were urged to extricate non-tariff barriers particularly in agriculture and aquaculture. The Duma was proposed to consider expanding the list of Vietnamese aquatic exporters. 

Regarding energy cooperation especially petroleum which is an important pillar in the bilateral ties, Viet Nam supports and stands ready to create favorable ways for Russian petroleum enterprises to do effective investment businesses in Viet Nam, he said.

The Vietnamese Government passed a feasibility report of the nuclear science and technology center this November. The large-scale project is of great significance for Viet Nam, promising to become a new symbol for the bilateral ties, said PM Phuc. He suggested the Duma work with the Viet Nam National Assembly to beef up the important project.

On this occasion, the host leader thanked Russia for granting over 1,000 scholarships for Viet Nam; boost exchanges of culture; and support tourism promotion. 

PM Phuc also applauded the effective support of the Duma in general and Chairman Volodin for local cooperation in local cooperation. 

In terms of e-Government building, PM Phuc said, Minister-Chairman Mai Tien Dung led a working group to the Russian Federation to research and learn experience. In early 2019, the Russian Government will send a group of experts to Viet Nam. Hence, the host leader proposed the Duma support and work with the Russian Government to support the Vietnamese Government to build an e-Government. 

The PM took the occasion to propose Russia create favorable ways for the Vietnamese community to do long-term business and integrate into the local community.

In reply, Mr.Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin agreed that the bilateral ties have been flourishing. In 2018, the two-way trade turnover surged 35% and the two countries are striving for US$ 10 billion. 

According to the guest leader, Viet Nam has become a favorite tourism destination of Russian visitors. Last year, the number of Russian arrivals to Viet Nam hit over  half a million, representing a year-on-year growth of 30%. In 2018, the figure was projected to reach about 700,000. The Russian side stands ready to back Viet Nam to perfect tourism services. 

In addition, as the Chairman of the Committee on e-Government, Mr. Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin said that he was willing to work and share experience with Viet Nam especially in law making./. 

VGP