European investors expressed their interest in a US$1 billion seaport logistics project in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau during their meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on Wednesday.

The Vietnamese government leader hosted the reception for Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors, Elsbeth Akkerman and Paul Jansen, along with EU investors.

The European investors told the PM that once the Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center is put into operation, it would accommodate large container vessels and, as a result, boost domestic sea freight services and the delivery of goods and produce from Mekong Delta provinces to Cai Mep Ha and overseas.

Therefore, the investors expected the project to be given the green light as soon as possible, and pledged to carry out the project on schedule and ensure its quality.

They were committed to adopting environmentally friendly transport methods for the sake of sustainable development.

Authorities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province said they have approved the 1/2000 master plan for the project, pinpointed its location, and been ready to hand over cleared sites to the concerned investors.

In response, PM Phuc reaffirmed the Vietnamese government’s stance to support foreign investors, especially those from the European Union that show their potential and possess advanced technological capacity to set up shop in the Southeast Asian nation.

He asked the government of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and the Ministry of Planning and Investment to consider the investors’ proposal soon, stressing that “I will criticize whoever is slow [in considering the proposal].”

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (seventh right) hosts a reception for Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors, Elsbeth Akkerman (seventh left) and Paul Jansen (sixth right), along with EU investors in Hanoi, September 16, 2020 Photo: Vietnam Government Portal

Phuc also highlighted all-round developments of the relations between Vietnam and Belgium and the Netherlands, saying the two European countries are Vietnam’s key trading partners.

However, he pointed out cooperation outcomes have yet to match the potential and strength of the two sides. Therefore, strengthening cooperation ties plays a vital role as the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union, or EVFTA, recently took effect.

The leader believed that the trade pact will bring about ample opportunity for Vietnamese and European businesses in their operation and market expansion efforts.

He suggested the Netherlands and Belgium support Vietnam in improving its capacity for the enforcement of the deal.

He also spoke highly of the effective cooperation between Vietnam and the two countries at multilateral and international forums, such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-European Union relations.

He called on the two governments, together with the block of 27 member states, to raise a stronger voice in protecting the rule of law at seas and oceans, as well as the East Vietnam Sea stance of Vietnam and ASEAN.

The Dutch ambassador expressed her good impression of Vietnam’s efforts in its fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its economic development.

The Dutch government backs the Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, she said, adding that the Dutch Development Bank has committed ten percent of the project investment.

Ambassador Paul Jansen shared a similar view, saying that the Belgian Corporation for International Investment will also play a part in the seaport logistics investment.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!