Hanoi (VNA) –National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has described Vietnam-Netherlandsties as typical and effective relations between Vietnam and a European nation. 

The top legislator made the remarks at areception for Queen of the Netherlands Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, who is also theUN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development,in Hanoi on May 31. 

Vietnam attaches importance to and advocatesenhancing the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with the Netherlandswhich is playing an important role in the European Union (EU), she said. 

Ngan highlighted the significance of inclusivefinance to the development of each nation, which she said, is the main drivermentioned in seven out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Government, National Assembly, relevantagencies and businesses of Vietnam stand ready to discuss with Queen Máximaissues regarding inclusive finance to boost growth, the Chairwoman noted. 

Vietnam is well aware of contributions ofinclusive finance to livelihoods as well as the rotation of investment flowsand savings in the society, she said, adding that inclusive finance is also an effectivetool to mobilise social resources in order to spur socio-economic development,poverty reduction and sustainable development. 

Chairwoman Ngan attributed Vietnam’sinternationally recognised poverty reduction achievements to the implementationof many policies and activities related to inclusive finance such as microfinance,credit for agriculture and rural areas and social welfare, thus helpingresidents easily get access to financial and banking services. 

With limited resources, Vietnam wishes toreceive international support in this field, she said, calling on the Queen, inher capacity as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for InclusiveFinance for Development, to assist the country in mobilising financial andtechnical resources from the UN and other international organisations toimplement inclusive finance. 

Queen Máxima,for her part, congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in poverty reduction overthe past years.

Speaking highly of Vietnam’s commitmentto the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she said the UN, the Netherlandsand international partners are willing to share experience with Vietnam inbuilding a national inclusive finance strategy.

According to the Queen, the involvementof ministries and agencies concerned, particularly those regarding technologyand private sector, in devising the draft national strategy is needed, duringwhich, the State Bank of Vietnam plays an important coordinating role.

She also highlighted the diversificationof current financial services, adding that the two countries could cooperate indeveloping a highly integrated electronic payment system in Vietnam.-VNA