A series of international fairs are being held nationwide during November to promote Vietnamese trademarks and boost trade and investment relations between domestic and foreign businesses.

The 10 th International Agriculture Trade Fair 2010 (AgroViet 2010), themed “Towards a sustainable Vietnamese agriculture” opened in Hanoi on November 11, drawing the participation of over 300 exhibitors who are showcasing products at about 400 booths.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Diep Kinh Tan said the four-day fair aims to expand consumption markets in and outside the country, boost agro-forestry-fishery production and improve local business competitiveness.

This is also a chance for businesses to promote their trademarks and products, access new technologies and seek partners, he added.

The Vietnamese agricultural sector has recorded its annual GDP growth rate of over 3.3 percent and a production value increase of 5.55 percent over the past five years. The agro-forestry-fishery export turnover is expected to exceed 16 billion USD in 2010.

On the same day, the Vietnam International Jewellery Fair 2010 kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City , attracting over 100 Vietnamese and international businesses, including those from Hong Kong ( China ), Singapore , Malaysia , Japan , Israel , Turkey , Thailand , Laos and the US .

The fair will last until November 15.

More than 100 domestic and foreign businesses will take part in the Vietnam International Fashion Fair 2010 (VIFF 2010) to be held in Hanoi from Nov. 16-22.

Businesses will showcase their products such as garment, footwear, materials, cosmetics and bags at the fair’s 300 pavilions.

According to Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Garment & Textile Group (Vinatex) Le Tien Truong, a representative of the VIFF 2010 organising board, the fair aims to create an opportunity for businesses in and outside the country to promote their brands as well as boost trade and investment.

A seminar entitled, “ Vietnam ’s garment products with domestic consumers” will be held during the fair, which is annually held in July in Ho Chi Minh City and in November in Hanoi .

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, garment is always the country’s export staple with a total export turnover of 9.1 billion USD in the first ten months of 2010. The figure is expected to reach 11 billion USD this year./.