Austrian state Styria is looking to strengthen cooperation with localities in Vietnam, especially Hanoi, in its strengths, such as green energy, circular economy, education, and innovation.

Styria Minister for Foreign Affairs Barbara Eibinger-Miedl said during a meeting with Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen today [October 17].

Eibinger-Miedl and a delegation of enterprises from Styria are in Vietnam to seek business opportunities.
At the meeting, Eibinger-Miedl expressed her delight at the substantial progress in Vietnam-Austria relations over the past 50 years.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen and Styria Minister for Foreign Affairs Barbara Eibinger-Miedl at the meeting. Photo: The Hanoi Times

She noted Styria is the second biggest in terms of area and the fourth most populous state in Austria. In 2021, the state's export turnover to Vietnam stood at EUR28 million (US$27.3 million) and imports at EUR147 million ($143.3 million).

The minister expected the visit would strengthen cooperation between the two sides in the coming time, focusing on developing green technology, an Austrian advantage.

Hanoi's Vice Chairman Quyen welcomed the business delegation's visit from Styria, saying Hanoi is Vietnam's cultural, economic, and political hub.

"Over the past ten years, Hanoi has expanded its administrative boundary to create space for development, along with a focus on education, science, and technology," Quyen said.

Quyen added Hanoi set the target of completing the city's planning, laying the foundation to invest in socio-technical infrastructure systems, including industrial parks.

"While economic development remains a priority, Hanoi continues to focus on environmental protection for sustainable development, especially promoting green and circular economy," he added.

In terms of education, science and technology, Quyen expects Hanoi to be the primary source of high-quality human resources for the country, which will be possible with the close cooperation between the city's education sector with other international partners to improve training and the quality of education.

"Cooperation initiatives proposed by Styria are in line with Hanoi's vision for development," Quyen stated.
He suggested that Austrian businesses work closely with local agencies to develop specific plans for cooperation.