Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Wednesday had talks with Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors, Elsbeth Akkerman and Paul Jansen, along with EU investors, in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Wednesday hosted a reception for Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors, Elsbeth Akkerman and Paul Jansen, along with EU investors who want to pour capital into a seaport logistics project worth nearly US$1 billion in Việt Nam.

At the meeting, the leader stressed the Vietnamese Government always facilitates the investment of foreign firms, especially those from the EU that have potential and high technological capacity.

He also highlighted all-round developments of the relations between Việt Nam and Belgium and the Netherlands, saying the two countries are Việt Nam’s important trade partners.

However, PM Phúc said cooperation outcomes have yet to match the potential and strength of the sides.

The Dutch Ambassador expressed her impression on Việt Nam’s efforts in the COVID-19 combat and economic development.

The Dutch Government backs Cái Mép Hạ Logistics Centre project in the southern province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu which the EU investors are interested in, she said, adding that the Dutch Development Bank has committed 10 per cent of the project investment.

For his part, Ambassador Paul Jansen said that the Belgian Corporation for International Investment will also play a role in the investment.

Once operational, the Cái Mép Hạ Logistics Centre can accommodate large container ships, helping to deliver Vietnamese goods abroad, investors said, expressing their hope that the project will soon be approved.

They also committed to ensuring the progress and quality of the project, and using “green transportation methods” for sustainable development once it is given the green light.

Bà Rịa-Vùng Tàu has approved the 1:2000 project planning scheme and located the project, and now stands ready for site clearance.

PM Phúc spoke highly of the effective cooperation between Việt Nam and the two countries at multilateral and international forums such as the UN, ASEM and ASEAN-EU.

He called on the two countries, together with the EU, to raise a stronger voice in protection of the respect for law at seas and oceans, as well as the stances of Việt Nam and ASEAN regarding the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea).

The leader said he believes that the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will bring about great opportunities to Vietnamese and EU businesses in operation and market expansion.  

He suggested the Netherlands and Belgium help Việt Nam improve its capacity for the enforcement of the deal. — VNS