Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (right) meets Magnus Brunner, Austrian State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (Photo: VNA)

Dien said he hopes Brunner will support a quick ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). The EVIPA, together with the EVFTA, will significantly improve the competitive edge of European businesses, particularly Austrian businesses, that invest in Vietnam, opening up opportunities to increase bilateral trade, the minister said.

He asked Austria to share with Vietnam its experience and technological solutions in electricity transmission and personnel training for the energy sector. 

Brunner agreed to Dien's cooperation proposal and affirmed his support for quick ratification of the EVIPA.

The Vietnamese minister took the occasion to ask Brunner, as a cabinet member, to lobby the Austrian government to donate COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies to Vietnam.