Belgium’s firm discuss COVID-19 vaccine production cooperation with Vietnam

Belgium’s biotechnology company Univercells can access and provide vaccines for Southeast Asia and Asia at large through cooperation in Vietnam, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has affirmed.

Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (third from right) during a meeting (Photo: VNA)

Brussels (VNA) - Belgium’s biotechnology company Univercells can access and provide vaccines for Southeast Asia in particular and Asia at large through cooperation in Vietnam, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has affirmed.

He made the remark during a recent meeting with representatives of Belgium’s biotechnology company, trade partners and the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency, on cooperation in COVID-19 vaccine and medicine production.

The meeting, part of National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue’s visit to Belgium and the European Union, was among efforts by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in seeking vaccine supply and carrying out vaccine diplomacy.

A representative of Univercells said the company is paying heed to investment in vaccine production facilities in Vietnam, along with production of personal medical equipment; experience sharing and training for vaccine manufacturers and connection with various partners to find suitable financial sources for cooperation projects. 

Dien suggested development orientations in line with the country’s infrastructure in the field, urging the Belgian firm to promptly send suggestions and materials to the Vietnamese side for consideration.

During his trip, Dien also received Secretary General of the Federation of European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) Jerome Pero and representatives from Nike Group.

He hoped that FESI and Nike will raise voice to the EU and US administration to make it easier for Vietnam to access vaccines at the earliest via the COVAX mechanism or commercial channel.

FESI and Nike also discussed the possibility of assisting Vietnam in COVID-19 fight such as supplying test kits or factory cleansing equipment.