The province of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, is always keen to expand its links with Vietnam, especially in education and tourism.

The President of Florence Andrea Barducci, stated this when meeting with Vietnam’s Ambassador to Italy, Nguyen Hoang Long, on June 25.

Florence will work with Vietnam to organise economic, artistic and cultural events in the province to mark the 40 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties in 2013, said President Barducci.

The province will help Vietnam to hold a series of economic and cultural events to introduce Vietnam to local people in Florence as well as the international community, he said, adding that the local authorities have decided to hold a ‘Vietnamese Day’ in Florence in October.

He stressed that he supports joint initiatives in education and training between Italy and Vietnam and more cooperation between universities from both countries.

Ambassador Long said that the Vietnamese Embassy will liaise with the local authorities in Florence to organise economic, diplomatic and cultural activities, especially the ‘Vietnamese Day’ in Florence.

In the near future, the Embassy will focus on developing relations with the region of Tuscany and Florence in particular, including opening a Vietnamese office at the region’s trade and investment promotion agency.

The office, which will strengthen economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnamese and Italian businesses, is expected to open on September 16.

Regarding the prospects for economic cooperation, Long said that businesses in Florence are strong in fashion, garments, agricultural processing, engineering and medical equipment so Vietnamese companies will have the opportunity to seek out partners and study advanced Italian technologies in these fields.

Later the same day, in Florence, Vietnam’s Commercial Counsellor to Italy Bui Vuong Anh, gave a presentation on Vietnam’s socio-economic situation and its policies to attract foreign investment.-VNA