September 13, 2011

Vietnam sees closer investment ties with Iceland

To increase cooperation in seafood, information technology, mineral processing and renewable energy, Vietnam will make more favourable conditions for the Icelandic firms business in the country, Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai said.

Hai made the statement with representatives of Icelandic ministries and firms on Sept 9 during his ongoing official visit to Iceland.

Icelandic Economy Minister Arni Pall Arnarson said that Vietnam and Iceland have great sea economy, creating opportunities to boost seafood cooperation effectively.

Palmi S. Palmason, general director of Icelandic group Portunus, said his group has recently bought a tra fish processing plant in Vietnam and is seeking opportunities to help sustainable development of the country's fishery.

Vietnam has an annual output of up to 4 million tonnes of seafood and the figure can increase if the country applies fishing and processing technologies like Iceland, says Palmason.

Meanwhile, Sveinn Baldvinsson, general director of Icelandic group Kalan Mobile, said his firm wants to cooperate with Vietnamese partners about investment in renewable energy. Iceland is the world's leading geothermal electricity technology owner.

Some Icelandic investors showed their interest in cooperating with Vietnamese partners in tourism, management training and finance.