vietnam russie cooperation 10jul2
vneconomy
VN, Russia to enhance energy, oilco-operationKhristenko and Cam are presidents of the Russia-Vie t Namand Viet Nam-Russia intergovernmental committees foi: economic, trade and scientificco-operation.
The Russian Deputy PM will also be received by PartyGeneral Secretary Nong Duc Manh and Prime Minister Phan Van Khiai.
Shortly before he left for Viet Nam, Khristenko told theRussian Information Agency, Novosti, that petroleum and energy are main areas ofco-operation between the two countries, and as such Russia, accorded it top priority.
For many years, leading Russian firms such as Zarubezneftand
Gazprom have invested in building infrastructure for suchindustries.
Experiences in building large scale modern and high-techconstructions with huge capital investments give the two countries confidence in theprospects of long term co-operation for mutual benefit, Khristenko said.
He added that the governments of both countries areconcerned about improving mechanisms and other conditions including finance, to furtherdevelop bilateral co-operation.
Regarding the economic aspect of the Dung Quat OilRefinery built by the two countries in the central province of Quang Ngai, Khristenko saidit was an "outstanding" project of the cooperative ties between the twocountries:
The two countries are actively working on new projectstowards implementing agreements in standardisation, product-quality management, educationand research which were signed during President Vladimir Putin's Viet Nam visit lastMarch, he said.
Russia and Viet Nam have already implemented effectivelymore than 30 projects in biology, production technology, laser applications in the healthsector and water purification technology.
The two sides have also cooperated in researching theeffects of dioxin on the environment and human beings.
Khristenko conceded that two-way trade between the twocountries lagged behind potential, posting just US$420 million in 2000 and $500-550million last year. However, he was hopeful-that it will pick up as important co-operativeprojects including the Dung Quat Oil Refinery, hydio and thermal power plants.
Russia will promote the supply of products that Viet Namneeds, including steel and fertiliser, while facilitating the entry of more Vietnamesegoods including garments to the Russian market. On the issue of making payments,Khristenko said the two countries will follow international rules. Both sides have agreedto continue promoting co-operation through direct exchanges between commercial banks andreducing payments made through third countries.
The central banks of both countries are seeking measuresto improving payment methods; promoting exchange of information and co-ordinating thefight against money-laundering, he said
| Free trade with
Russia on track (VET- 17/8/2001)- La Van Chau, who is in charge of the Russian market at the Europe-America Department under the Ministry of Trade said his Ministry has set up a working panel to draft a free trade pact between Vietnam and Russia following an agreement signed last month by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Manh Cam and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victor Khristenko. "Vietnam will have to put forth proposals for the trade pact in line with World Trade Organization rules no later than October 31," Chau said. Asked whether Vietnam would set up a commercial center in Moscow, Chau said Russia had chosen a location for the center but the Vietnamese Government considered it not appropriate. He added that the Hanoi-based Petec Co. has got a license from Russia to form a branch in Moscow which would serve as a transshipment place for Vietnamese goods exported to Russia. Exports to Russia in the first six months of the year was estimated at US$93.8 million and imports from that country at US$167.8 million. |