HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng hosted a reception for Wouter van Wersch, President of Airbus International – one of the world's leading aerospace corporations, in Hà Nội on November 4, affirming the Vietnamese Government's commitment to continuously improving the business environment and creating favourable conditions for European businesses, including Airbus, to expand their operations and investments.

Welcoming van Wersch back to Việt Nam on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Airbus's presence in the country, the PM wished the group continued success and expressed his hope that it will make greater contributions to the development of Việt Nam–EU relations as well as ties between Việt Nam and EU member states.

The PM stressed that Việt Nam always attaches importance to its relations with France, its first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in the EU, with economic, trade and investment cooperation serving as one of the most important pillars.

The official visit to France by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Tô Lâm on September 10–11 helped deepen bilateral relations in a more substantive and effective manner, producing a number of concrete projects and outcomes, including those involving Airbus, he said.

PM Hưng highly valued cooperation between Việt Namm and Airbus over the past four decades, noting that Airbus has supplied a large proportion of aircraft operated by Vietnamese airlines and has also cooperated with the country in the field of observation satellites.

With a population of more than 100 million and rising incomes, Vietnam is implementing major infrastructure projects, including large airports such as Gia Bình and Long Thành, in tandem with the development of special economic zones and logistics services, he said, noting that these developments have generated substantial demand for aviation industry development and aircraft fleet expansion.

As Việt Namm enters a new era of development with enormous potential for cooperation with global partners, the Government leader called on Airbus to step up cooperation to implement major projects commensurate with the Vietnam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the firm's potential, helping strengthen the capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises and develop the aviation ecosystem.

He proposed that Airbus and Vietnamese partners accelerate projects in aviation and aerospace, while promoting technology development and transfer, research, high-quality human resources training, manufacturing capacity, safety oversight and flight operations.

The host also suggested that Airbus consider establishing aircraft maintenance and repair centres in Việt Nam, particularly in the vicinity of Long Thành and Gia Bình international airports.

He asked the group to support Vietnamese airlines in implementing aircraft supply agreements and contracts as they expand their fleets and open new routes, and to work closely with Vietnamese agencies to promote space cooperation.

On this occasion, PM Hưng expressed his hope that Airbus will raise voice to promote France's early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thereby supporting European businesses, including Airbus, to expand cooperation and operations in Việt Nam.

He expressed his confidence that building upon the fruitful 40-year partnership, the cooperation between Việt Namm and Airbus will enter a new phase of development that is more substantive and effective for the mutual benefit of both sides.

For his part, van Wersch commended Việt Nam's strong development and its sound relations with the EU and France.

Việt Namm plays an important role in Airbus's success, he said, noting that 230 Airbus aircraft are currently in operation in the country, with another 220 expected to be delivered in the coming period.

He welcomed Việt Nam's continued strong investment in the aviation industry and aviation infrastructure, including the development of Long Thành and Gia Bình airports and the broader aviation ecosystem, which offers new cooperation opportunities for Airbus.

Agreeing with the PM's proposals, van Wersch affirmed that Việt Namm is a top priority for Airbus, which sees great opportunities and wishes to strengthen long-term ties with Việt Nam, not only through aircraft supply but also by helping enhance the capacity of the country's aviation industry.

Marking 40 years of presence and cooperation in Việt Nam, Airbus reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country through strategic cooperation in commercial aviation, space and industrial manufacturing, technology transfer and high-quality human resources development, as well as expanded cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence application. — VNS