The scene at the courtesy reception

At the courtesy reception, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong introduced to the delegation the natural conditions, culture, people, potentials, advantages, investment environment and outstanding achievements in socio-economic development of the province in recent times.

Chairman Nguyen Van Phuong welcomed the Embassy to introduce Finnish investors to explore investment opportunities in Thua Thien Hue Province in the fields in which Finland has strengths, including forestry and wood processing.

Mr. Phuong informed that of the total current forest area in Thua Thien Hue, about one third was production forest and the locals mainly grew acacia for wood. In addition, this type of forest contributes to greening bare land and bare hills. However, the exploitation cycle of Melaleuca acacia is still short, and the economic efficiency has been not high. Therefore, the province is aiming to grow large timber forests and shape a clearer direction for forest economic development, in order to contribute to local economic development.

"The wood industry is a strength of Vietnam. Hopefully, there will be cooperation on afforestation and forest product processing from Finland," Mr. Phuong said; and, at the same time, he hoped that Finland would have more cooperation with the province in the fields such as education, science and technology, and culture.

 Chairman Nguyen Van Phuong (on the right) presented a souvenir gift to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Republic of Finland to Vietnam

The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also hoped that the Ambassador would continue to pay attention to introducing and connecting Finnish businesses to Thua Thien Hue as well as introducing Finnish traditional art troupes to participate in the performance program at Hue Festival.

Mr. Keijo Norvanto, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Republic of Finland to Vietnam, gave his thanks for the attention and respectful reception of the leaders of Thua Thien Hue Province; and expressed his impression with the cultural traditions, people, potentials, advantages and development of Thua Thien Hue over the past years. At the same time, he affirmed to become a bridge to introduce Finnish businesses to approach, explore and cooperate in investment.

By L.THO