President Tran Dai Quang answers questions from Bangladeshi press

Launchpill:Mr. President, what is your opinion on Vietnam - Bangladesh relations?

President Tran Dai Quang:Vietnam and Bangladesh have a good traditional friendship, based on historical similarities and shared values ​​of independence, peace, cooperation and development. Throughout history, our two countries have always shown solidarity and mutual support. Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in late 1971. Bangladesh was also one of the first Asian countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam right after the Paris Agreement was signed.

After 45 years of establishing diplomatic relations, the leaders and people of the two countries have always cherished and preserved this precious tradition, while constantly striving to further develop the bilateral relationship. The two countries' senior leaders have visited each other and regularly met at multilateral forums. Vietnam was pleased to welcome the highest leaders of Bangladesh to visit, including Prime Minister Seikh Hasina in 2012, President Md. Abdul Hamid in 2015 and Speaker of the National Assembly Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in 2017.

The bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, defense, security, agriculture, education and training has seen encouraging developments in recent times. In particular, two-way trade turnover in 2017 grew remarkably, reaching over 900 million USD, up nearly 50% compared to 2016. Vietnam and Bangladesh also share common views on many regional and international issues, closely cooperate and support each other at international forums and the United Nations.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges are increasingly strengthened. I was very moved to learn that, recently (June 2017), the book"Uncle Ho wrote a will"was translated into Bengali, expressing the Bangladeshi people's respect for President Ho Chi Minh.

Reporter:Vietnam is a model of successful socio-economic development. Could you please tell us about the prospects and areas in which Vietnam can strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh?

President Tran Dai Quang:Bangladesh is a nation with a long history of development and rich cultural heritage; a young population and a very potential market; a successful model in hunger eradication, poverty reduction, promoting equality, social justice and maintaining a stable growth rate. Bangladesh is realizing the goal of joining the group of middle-income countries and aiming to become a digital country with advanced science and technology development. You have many achievements that Vietnam can learn from such as microcredit programs, education policies...

Vietnam and Bangladesh have many similarities in economic, cultural and social conditions and are located in two important locations in Southeast Asia and South Asia - the connecting point from Asia - Pacific to South Asia - Indian Ocean.

On economic - trade - investment cooperation,The two countries can make effortsContinue to increase two-way trade and investment turnover; facilitate each side's strong products; facilitate the business community to increase access, share information, and connect trade; and connect aviation to further open up investment, trade, and tourism flows.

Vietnam wishes to promote investment activities in Bangladesh, especially in areas where the two sides have potential for cooperation, such as telecommunications, information technology, agriculture, food processing, garment, oil and gas, consumer goods production, infrastructure development, and services.

On cooperation in agriculture, livestock and fisheries,The two sides continue to cooperate closely to complement each other; consider forming joint ventures, associations, production chains, applying high technology in farming, production and preservation... to increase the value of export products.

About education and training,We welcome Bangladesh to continue sending civil servants and students to Vietnam to study and exchange experiences in administrative management, economic development, agriculture, fisheries, natural resources and environmental management. We also appreciate the close cooperation between the Vietnam National Academy of Public Administration and the Bangladesh Public Administration Agency in training and professional development for Bangladeshi civil servants in Vietnam.

On defense and security cooperation,The two sides need to strengthen their understanding of each other's capabilities and needs for cooperation, first of all in the following areas:logistics, military medicine, participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations; enhancing information exchange, experience sharing, cooperation in preventing and combating organized and transnational crime, international terrorism, etc., contributing to ensuring peace and security in the region and the world.

We hope and believe that the competent agencies of both sides will take advantage of the above-mentioned potentials and advantages to seek appropriate measures to develop bilateral relations more deeply, substantially and effectively, meeting the aspirations and interests of the Leaders and people of the two countries./.