Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc received Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and ForeignInvestment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz in Hanoi on September 10, pledging toencourage Vietnamese firms’ investment in the Caribbean nation.

Welcoming the delegation to Vietnam for ameeting of the Vietnam-Cuba Intergovernmental Committee, PM Phuc said Vietnamis delighted at the socio-economic achievements Cuba has obtained recently,noting that the two peoples have a special and faithful relationship that isincreasingly consolidated.

Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz vowed everyeffort to help the inter-governmental committee work effectively.

He said although the Cuban economy is facing numerousdifficulties due to sanctions, it is still striving to move forwards. He alsoappreciated Vietnam’s rice supply for his country and expressed his hope thatthe Vietnamese Government will create conditions for businesses to continue theprovision.

Highlighting both countries’ resolve to raisebilateral trade to 500 million USD in 2020, the official said Cuba wants toboost exports to Vietnam, especially healthcare services and biologicalproducts, and also wishes to attract more investment from the Southeast Asiannation as there are many Vietnamese firms operating effectively in Cuba atpresent.

Cuba is considering mechanism and policyimprovements to better its investment climate and attract more foreigninvestment, he noted, adding that as Vietnam is experienced in agriculture, hiscountry hopes Vietnam will assist it in this field.

As the two countries will mark 60 years of theirdiplomatic relationship in 2020, they should work closely together to organisemany practical celebratory activities so as to further promote the traditionalfriendship, Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz said.

He added Cuba highly values Vietnam’s growingrole and stature, especially when Vietnam will serve as a non-permanent memberof the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021 and the ASEAN chair nextyear.

At the reception, PM Phuc said the CommunistParty and people of Vietnam always keep in mind the strong support andwholehearted assistance from the Communist Party and people of Cuba during thestruggle for national independence and reunification in the past as well as thebuilding of a socialist nation at present.

Vietnam will continue to work closely with Cubato ensure stable rice supply and promote its investment in the Caribbeancountry, he affirmed.

Regarding agricultural cooperation, Vietnam isready to assist Cuba on the basis of the latter’s potential and advantages, hesaid, welcoming Cuba’s intention to boost the export of healthcare services toVietnam.

The PM also asked the two countries’ ministriesand sectors to continue researching solutions to advance bilateral relations ina result-oriented manner.

He stressed that Vietnam always supports theCuban people’s just fight and consistently advocates Cuba’s stance at UNforums.-VNA