PM Phuc welcomes Crown Princess of Sweden

• A “special gift” presented to Crown Princess of Sweden
• Crown Princess of Sweden treated to ‘Bun bo’ in Hanoi
• Deputy PM meets Crown Princess of Sweden

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Désiree

He said he is glad to see two-way trade outstripped US$1.5 billion last year and Sweden now has 67 projects totaling more than US$370 million in Vietnam.

However, the figures remain modest and are still far from matching the full potential for broader bilateral cooperation, he emphasized.

The host said he hope that the Swedish enterprises accompanying the Crown Princess will seek good opportunities to connect with Vietnamese partners toward stepping up economic cooperation.

The Vietnamese Government is working to fine-tune institutions and offer the most possible favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Sweden, Phuc told his guest.

He also voiced his hope that the Swedish Royal Family and government will help to accelerate the early signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) before late June 2019 to create a breakthrough for bilateral trade and economic ties.

The Crown Princess, in turn, said the Swedish enterprises accompanying her desire to promote stronger links with Vietnamese partners.

Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade Ann Linde said that Sweden considers issues related to free trade agreements as highly important. Therefore, the country will work to push forward with the early signing and ratification of the EVFTA, she noted.