Mr Phung The Long Vietnamese Ambassador said that bilateral trade relations between Qatar and Vietnam have significantly improved over the last 3 years.

The Vietnamese envoy reported this before some 60 countrymen working as professionals and skilled workers in the oil and gas and construction industries during yesterday’s 65th National Day celebration at the embassy in West Bay area.

Mr The Long said that “Bilateral trade turnover in 2009 at USD 135 million was nearly double than in 2008, four times higher in 2007 and another USD 80m this year was 10% increase in the first 8 months. Such significant friendly and cooperative trade relations was achieved as a result of official visits made by the Qatari Prime Minister to their country in 2008 and 2009 and the visit of Vietnam’s Vice President to Qatar last year and this year.”

He said that “The visits brought bilateral relations to a new height marked by the signing of series of agreements, which created framework and motivation for multi faceted cooperation for the sake of the people of the two countries.”

He also noted a growing number of his countrymen have been given the opportunity to work in Qatar as many companies have found their work ethics well trained, disciplined and productive.

Mr The Long said that “Cooperation between the 2 countries has also strengthened since the Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar was established in March 2008 and likewise the Qatari Embassy in Hanoi opened in January this year. We believe that based on the current good relations, with political will of senior leaders, determination and enthusiasm of businessmen of the 2 countries, cooperation of Vietnam and Qatar in the future is very bright.”

(Sourced from the Peninsula)