Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in Vietnam - Day 3.

The last day of the Crown Prince Couple's visit to Vietnam took place in Ho Chi Minh City. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess met with the leader of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Le Hoang Quan, today.

Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

Crown Prince Haakon started the day meeting on negotiations in progress on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and EFTA countries . According to the plan , the proceedings will be completed during the year , and be a positive contribution to further growth in business relations between Norway and Vietnam.
The Norwegian Veritas - DNV GL opened new offices in Bitexco Tower today . Crown Prince Haakon attended the opening along with Industry Minister Monica Maeland , who also made ​​a speech for the occasion .

DNV GL is well established in Vietnam, including several shipyards. They have about 60 employees in Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh and see good opportunities for expansion - particularly in the oil and gas sector . With these new offices collect DNV GL its various initiatives in the area under the same roof .

Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

The royal couple also had the opportunity to visit the Reunification Palace - a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City . It was here that South Vietnam's presidents had their seat , and where a tank on the morning of 30 April 1975 broke down the main gate - and marked the end of the Vietnam War.
Today the palace is a popular destination for thousands of visitors.

Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

The royal couple joined the business delegations to lunch. There has been a lot of valuable contacts between representatives of Norwegian and Vietnamese businesses these days , which Crown Prince emphasized in his speech :

- Starting in the political capital of Hanoi, and moving on to the cultural capital of Hue , we will end our visit in what is often described as Vietnam 's commercial capital - Ho Chi Minh City. We are very happy to be Gathered here in the historic Reunification Palace . Business partners from our two countries are sharing tables and exploring options for deepened Cooperation and partnerships . ( ...)
This visit has given Norwegian companies a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and engage with Vietnamese businesses - forming new partnerships in one of the most promising markets in Asia.

The royal couple ended Vietnam journey to visit two Norwegian companies established in the Mekong Delta. EWOS deliver feed to local farms, while Pharmaq including producing vaccines for farmed fish.

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette - Marit had met the staff during the tour of the facilities and also got to try out the vaccination of fish.

Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

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