Addressing the event, Vu Van Tam, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and President of the VPFA, noted that since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties 40 years ago, the Vietnam-Philippines relationship has recorded remarkable developments in all fields, including politics, economics, culture, education and tourism.
The two nations officially elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2015, which has brought about mutual benefits and contributed to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Tam said.
He added that the Philippines is currently running 62 investment projects in Vietnam, mainly in pharmaceuticals and the food industry. Bilateral trade turnover has been growing annually, from US$416 million in 2002 to US$3 billion last year.
Tam said he believed that with development momentum and prolific experience after 40 years of bilateral co-operation and joint efforts, the friendly relations and multifaceted co-operation between Vietnam and the Philippines would continue to flourish and benefit both nations, for peace, stability, co-operation and prosperity in the region and the world.
Voicing his pleasure to attend the celebration, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Noel Servigon hoped that the two countries would continue their co-operation moving towards prosperity for each country as well as peace and friendly neighbourhood.
