Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Le Linh Lan suggested Mexico open a trade office in the Southeast Asian country while attending a business forum in Mexico City on May 28.

Representatives from dozens of Vietnamese firms in Mexico participated in the four-day event organised as part of a series of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Le Linh Lan highlighted Vietnam’s active engagement in regional and international financial organisations, as well as the country’s outstanding achievements in external, social and economic affairs thanks to the “doi moi” (renewal) process.

She noted that trade with Mexico reached 2.26 billion USD last year, posting an annual rise of 40 percent. In the first quater of 2015, bilateral trade was valued at 776 million USD.

In addition to the existing bilateral free trade pacts, the two countries are pushing ahead with negotiations to set up a Joint Committee on Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation, and sign an agreement on fisheries and seafood cooperation.

Vietnamese businesses shared their experience in trade with their hosts, including tax regulations, transportation and payment methods.

The event was held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico in conjunction with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.-VNA