Schroeder told Dung that he wanted to implement some German- invested projects here and promote investment opportunities to prepare for celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

He said he considered PM Dung’s visit to Germany last year as a milestone in the two countries’ cooperation, especially in economics.

Dung welcomed the former German Chancellor to Vietnam thanking him for his contribution to broadening bilateral friendship and ties.

He cited two-way trade of US$3.2 billion in 2008, German business investments worth about $600 million in total here, and the opening of the Vietnam-Germany University.

However, PM Dung said more economic cooperation is needed to meet the potential.

He also said he expected the former German Chancellor, as a senior advisor to some German and European economic groups, to encourage more investment in Vietnam and looked forward to the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2010.

Source: VNA