VLADIMIR PUTIN PRONOUNCES ON RUSSIAN-VIETNAMESE ECONOMIC TIES








HANOI, March 1. /RIA Novosti Special Correspondent/. Vladimir Putin called for the existing basis of bilateral ties to be used more effectively in order to develop the economic cooperation between Russia and Vietnam.


	During his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai today, the Russian President noted that "a very good basis has been created for the development of ties between the two nations." However, he believes that "a lot more needs to be done for further development of economic cooperation. The turnover level of [Vietnam's] trade with Russia made up a mere 4 percent of Vietnam's overall trade turnover last year. This does not measure up to our capabilities." Vladimir Putin stressed that over the years of reform, "the Vietnamese people has achieved a lot, the progress is evident."