Vietnam, Czech bilateral ties have a promising future

(VOV) – Over the past six and one-half decades, cooperative ties between Vietnam and the Czech Republic have surpassed many milestones, said Vietnam Ambassador to the Czech Republic Truong Manh Son.

Son made the comment during an interview with a VOV reporter in which he lauded the fertile relations between the two nations.

Following are key excerpts of the interview.

VOV: What’s your evaluation on the highlights of bilateral cooperation ties over recent years?

Ambassador Son: I think the highlight of cooperative relations relates to trade. The Czech Republic considers Vietnam one its 12 leading trade partners. Vietnam also considers the Czech Republic an important partner and the gateway to penetrating the vast EU market.

The two countries have regularly convened high level inter-Governmental meetings targeting enhanced trade.

Vietnam has also paid due attention to importing Czech hi-tech mechanical and engineering products as well as electronic and medical equipment. These items not only advance trade but contribute directly to national development.

On the other hand, the Czech Republic favours Vietnamese products like agricultural, seafood and other foodstuffs.

VOV: What is the status of education and training cooperation between the two countries?

Ambassador Son: The Czech Republic has been providing on average roughly 4-5 scholarships annually, mainly for post-graduates students.

The two countries’ ministries of education are currently negotiating an extension to the education cooperation agreement for the period 2015-2020. Under the proposed agreement, the two countries will further strengthen education and training cooperation, especially post-graduate training and accelerate joint research projects.

We have also proposed that the Czech Republic’s Charles University and Vietnam National University begin training programmes for both the Czech and Vietnamese languages to help students from the two countries foster cultural and educational exchanges.

According to recent statistics, around 200,000 Overseas Vietnamese (OVS) who had studied and worked in the Czech Republic have returned home to work. These individuals serve as important sources for strengthening the friendship relations between the two countries.

VOV: There currently are more than 60,000 OVs residing in the Czech Republic. How well does the Czech Government create conditions for them to live and work?

Ambassador Son: On July 3, 2013 the Czech Republic recognised the OVs Community as its 14th ethnic minority group. This special recognition demonstrates the Czech government’s acknowledgement of their contribution to society.

The OVs Community is highly appreciated by the Czech Government and the nation’s people because of their industriousness and good integration into society. They are highly praised for their ways of nurturing and educating their children.

Most notably second and third Vietnamese generations continue to make significant contributions to Czech society.

VOV: What opportunities does the acknowledgement bring about for OVs?

Ambassador Son: As the 14th ethnic minority group, OVs have been paid due attention to better integrate in the society.

The Government has offered a number of support policies for them. For example it provided training courses on the Czech language, traditions, customs and laws to help OVs gain a better understanding about the country.

Other policies have also been devised to help the Vietnamese community preserve their cultural identities, such as teaching the Vietnamese language and forming clubs for them.

VOV: The Vietnam Culture Year in the Czech Republic will be held this year. How is the Embassy preparing for the event?

Ambassador Son: The event will include three main contents: First is the opening week in May 2015 being held with the participation of leaders of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture.

There will be a large number of business and tourism forums in addition to photo exhibitions on the two countries’ land and people during the week.

During the second week, there will be 65 cultural, trade, tourism and sports activities among the overseas Vietnamese community. These activities will take place in Prague and other major cities throughout the country.

The third week is the closing week. During this week outstanding Czech citizens will be honoured for their contribution to boosting bilateral ties over the past 65 years.

VOV: As ambassador to the Czech Republic what will you do to contribute to strengthening bilateral ties during your term?

Ambassador Son: I will do my utmost to deepen bilateral ties. Besides political ties, we want to broaden cooperation in trade and investment as it has not matched with its maximum potential.

We will closely work with relevant agencies from the two countries to raise bilateral trade value as well as the two countries’ investment in each other.

Last year, two-way trade turnover increased by 20% on-year but still only hit a modest US$670 million.

VOV: Thank you very much.