Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucreceived Polish Ambassador Wojciech Gerwel in Hanoi on October 31, noting thathaving served as a trade counsellor in Vietnam for many years, the diplomatwill bring bilateral economic and trade ties to a new level.

Ambassador Gerwel expressed his honour to assumethis position, saying that his experience in Vietnam will help promote the twocountries’ relations.

Highlighting his special sentiment towardsVietnam, he said the Vietnamese community, including students, in Poland is abridge helping to intensify bilateral connections.

With regard to priorities during his term,Gerwel said he will prioritise enhancing cooperation in politics, economy,education-training and culture with Vietnam. He expressed his wish for closercoordination between the Polish Embassy and ministries, sectors and localitiesof Vietnam.

Stressing economic ties, the diplomat said hiscountry is strong in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical production,shipbuilding and mining, so it wants to step up partnerships in these spheres.

Poland has established a trade office in Vietnamand this is one of the first overseas representative offices of the PolishInvestment and Trade Agency, showing the importance his country attaches toeconomic links with the Southeast Asian nation, he noted.

Ambassador Gerwel expressed his belief that theEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will take effect soon. He addedLOT Polish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Poland, plans to open adirect air route to Vietnam, and this route will help shorten the twocountries’ distance and facilitate tourism cooperation.

At the meeting, PM Phuc pledged the bestpossible conditions for the ambassador to promote collaboration with Vietnameseministries, sectors and localities.

There remains much room for trade ties, he said,noting that bilateral trade is able to rise strongly from the current revenueof over 1 billion USD.

He asked Poland to promote the signing andratification of the EVFTA. The two sides should also work closely to disbursethe preferential credit package of 250 million EUR that Poland pledged forVietnam.

The Government leader also applauded the plannedopening of a direct air route, saying he believes that it will help bolsterinvestment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.-VNA