Vietnam, Sweden ink cooperation deals

07-Jan-2007 Intellasia | 05-FEB-2004 Saigon Time Daily Page 1 | 2:21 PM

Vietnam and Sweden have signed agreements on development cooperation for the 2004-2006 period, research cooperation and child adoption. The signing took place in Hanoi on February 4 during the week-long Vietnam visit by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, which began on February 2.

The signatories were Swedish Foreign Minister Laila Frevalds, Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc, Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Van Phong and Minister of Justice Uong Chu Luu.

Under the Agreement on Development Cooperation, Sweden will provide some US$40 million annually for overall growth and poverty reduction in Vietnam. The two countries will also continue dialogue on crosscutting issues of mutual concern.

The Specific Agreement on Research Cooperation in the 2004-2007 period will boost cooperation in several fields, mainly in biotechnology, health and rural development.

The Agreement on adoption creates a legal framework for the adoption of children by citizens of the two countries.

The Swedish royals left Hanoi for HCM City in February 4.