Addressing the Vietnam-Philippines Investment-Trade Forum, Hue said the two countries share similar strategic benefit values, with two-way trade hitting 7 billion USD.

Vietnam will continue to perform well in farm produce trade, ensuring a high and stable export of rice at reasonable prices while staying ready to import products of the Philippines’ strength, he said.

The NA leader informed participants that under its 2021-2030 socio-economic development strategy, Vietnam has targeted rapid and sustainable development in the socio-economic and environment pillars. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the country still recorded one of the world’s highest growths of 2.58%. Since early this year, its economy has made breakthrough recovery with quarter-on-quarter growth. About 8.3% of the total GDP have been used to help citizens and businesses recover from the pandemic.

According to him, Vietnam has become one of the 20 countries with the world’s biggest trade and an attractive business destination. The country now has investment relations with 141 countries and territories with 135,000 valid projects worth 435 billion USD. It has also been named among the best 20 FDI destinations in the world by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The two Governments and legislatures will offer all possible support for investors and enterprises, he said, adding that the two economies are not competitive but supplementary to each other. So far, Vietnam has been the only strategic partner of the Philippines in ASEAN while their geographical distance is close.

President of the Philippine Senate Juan Miguel Zubiri, for his part, hailed Vietnam for its vibrant and pro-business environment. He said he fully supports the strengthening of economic, trade and investment ties with Vietnam.

In order to draw more FDI, the Philippines had reduced corporate income tax to 25% from 31%, which is applicable to Vietnamese firms, he added.

Philippine corporate representatives expressed their interest in electric vehicles, apparel, and renewable energy. Several opinions highlighted the potential of cooperation in cement, construction steel and materials, footwear, e-commerce and industry.

Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said the Philippines and other ASEAN member states are always key markets for Vietnam’s farm produce.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong suggested further expanding bilateral ties in green growth, circular economy and innovation.

Deals on export-import of cement and clinker, and distribution of vaccines against African swine flu in the Philippines were also signed at the event.

In the morning the same day, Chairman Hue laid wreaths at Rizal Monument and President Ho Chi Minh Monument at ASEAN Park./.  VNA