Vietnam diplomat optimistic about Taiwan partnership

Nguyen said that Vietnam's economic growth, with GDP growth projected at 8.5 to 9 percent for 2007, and the country's stable political situation have both shaped the nation into a prime environment for foreign investment.

Taiwan alone has 1,637 investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$8.4 billion as of June 30, 2007. It's also Vietnam,s third largest investor with US$547 million invested in the first six months this year.

Taiwan investment has concentrated in the areas of electronics, especially for export, and agriculture and service sectors.

Nguyen said that major Taiwan firms, such as Foxconn and Compal, are planning large-scale projects in Vietnam this year.

The VECO head said that Vietnam,s central and local government have provided incentives to foreign firms, including Taiwan companies, in the areas of land leasing and human resources.

Nguyen said that trade between Taiwan and Vietnam has grown from US$600 million a year in 1992, when the two countries established official contacts, to US$5 billion in 2006.

Nguyen said that relations between Taiwan and Vietnam have deepened at a rapid pace in recent years, with an increase in economic cooperation after Vietnam's accession to the WTO.

"I am optimistic about the further development in relations between Taiwan and Vietnam," said Nguyen.

The new VECO head said that his main goals after taking over the Vietnamese mission to Taiwan are to strengthen exchanges between Vietnam and Taiwan in areas besides trade, such as technology and culture, and to serve as a bridge between the 200,000 Vietnamese living in Taiwan and the Taiwan public.

There were 190,000 Vietnamese workers in Taiwan from November 1999 to June 2007, and the total number of Vietnamese currently working in Taiwan is 70,000, said Nguyen.

Most are laborers in factories or domestic helpers in private residences.

Of the 200,000 Vietnamese residing in Taiwan, 100,000 are so-called Vietnamese brides, or women who have gained residency status through marriage with Taiwanese.

"Most of the Vietnamese brides have also integrated into local societies, enjoy a stable life and contribute to Taiwan society," said Nguyen.

With the opening of its economy to the world, Vietnam has also seen a development in its tourism.

Every year, Vietnam receives about 4.5 million foreign tourists, including 200,000 from Taiwan, who are drawn to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam, the Old Quarter of Hoi An and Cham Pagoda in central Vietnam, and the Old Forbidden City of Hue and botanical gardens in southern Vietnam.

"Nevertheless, to attract more tourists to our country, we have been upgrading the infrastructure and quality of services, as well as diversifying tourism sites and products," said Nguyen.

Before his current post, Nguyen served in Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vietnam.

"Taiwan possesses an island landscape and a vibrant economy. We have learned and adopted the experience of Taiwan's development in developing our own country," said Nguyen. "The Vietnamese people are hardworking, industrious, optimistic and open to friends. I see many similarities in customs, traditions and ways of living of the Vietnamese and Taiwan people. These explain the sympathy both sides extend to each other, their closeness and reliable partnership."

Since its establishment in 1993, VECO has served to strengthen relations between Vietnam and Taiwan by promoting bilateral economic and trade ties, acting as a bridge between Vietnam and Taiwan businesses, and furthering bilateral cooperation in the areas of labor, culture, education, science, technology and agriculture.

In addition, the office also helps address issues facing the Vietnamese community in Taiwan and serves as a bridge connecting the Vietnamese community and their motherland.

VECO hosted an official reception on Aug. 31 to celebrate National Day, and the office will circulate documents on the economy, social conditions and cultural traits of Vietnam to allow foreign citizens to appreciate Vietnam moving forward with political stability, economic prosperity, a democratic society, peace, openness and increasing international integration, said Nguyen.

As part of celebrations for Vietnam's National Day, an artistic troupe from Vietnam will perform in Taiwan for the Vietnamese community, as well as the Taiwan audience in September, said Nguyen.

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