PM seeks better trade relations with Kyrgyzstan

HANOI, February 19 (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has proposed that Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan promptly sign economic agreements to create a legal foundation for stepping up their trade-investment relations. The Government leader made the proposal during a meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich in Hanoi on February 18. PM Dung said the traditional relationship between Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan is developing, and he believed that the visit to Vietnam by the Foreign Minister will make practical contributions to stepping up their bilateral ties. He affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and proposed that the two sides further mutual support at international forums and increase discussions to enhance their partnership in education and culture. Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan should establish joint ventures in production to boost exports to the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, he said. The Kyrgyz Foreign Minister informed PM Dung of the outcomes of his talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. He said his country wishes to accelerate collaboration with Vietnam in light industry, garments, textiles and mining. He proposed that the two nations soon sign economic pacts. He told his host that Kyrgyzstan, like Vietnam, is moving to join the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia and this is an opportunity for the two sides to strengthen ties in economics, trade and investment. At the talks between Deputy PM Minh and visiting Minister Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich earlier in the day, both sides informed each other of the socio-economic situation in their respective countries. f Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang.-VNA