The 2012 Laos - Vietnam trade fair kicked off in Vientiane on December 4, with over 200 businesses from the two countries taking part.

Jointly organised by the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, the event marked the 50 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and 35 years since the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

Ninety-eight Vietnamese companies are showcasing pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, processed foods, industrial machinery and equipment, chemicals, construction materials, garments, handicrafts, household appliances and banking services at 120 pavilions.

The event offers participants the opportunity to sign contracts and seek cooperation and investment partners.

Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries continues to grow. Two-way trade in the first ten months of this year hit 725 million USD, a 24 percent year-on-year increase.

In addition to traditional goods that include iron and steel, oil and gas, petrol, automotive manufacturing, timber, textiles and garments, farm produce has emerged as a key product in bilateral trade./.VNA