NDO/VNA – There remains room for Uruguay and Vietnam to enhance trade exchanges, Ambassador of Uruguay Raul Juan Pollak Giampietro has said.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) just a few days after he presented his credentials to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the ambassador said that he would do his best to promote bilateral ties and that Vietnam’s planned opening of its embassy in Montevideo and a free trade agreement will be the best solutions to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, especially in the field of economy and trade.

He hoped that Uruguay's key products, especially beef, could penetrate the Vietnamese market while consumers in the South American country would have access to Vietnamese goods such as electronic products, rubber, fruits and coffee.

The ambassador invited Vietnamese businesses to attend Expo Prado, held every August in Uruguay, to introduce Vietnam’s potential products to South American companies.

He said that the two countries will hold a meeting of the Uruguay-Vietnam Joint Committee on economic, trade and investment cooperation next week, and conduct a political consultation in November.

Raul Pollak expected that Uruguay and Vietnam will increase exchanges between the legislative bodies and cultural exchanges between their people, in addition to cooperation in the field of sports, especially football that Uruguay has strengths.

The diplomat also highly evaluated timely solutions the Vietnamese Government has taken in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, including policies to ensure social security and support workers affected by the pandemic.

He proposed strengthening cooperation between the two countries to deal with the impacts of the pandemic, such as exchanging information and experience in COVID-19 prevention and control as well as economic recovery solutions.

Receiving Raul Pollak on September 30 who came to present his credential, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested both sides create favourable conditions for Vietnam’s products to access the Uruguay market. He also proposed Uruguay assist Vietnam in penetrating the MERCOSUR market.

Trade turnover between Vietnam and Uruguay currently reaches US$100 million.