The Northwestern Region Industry-Trade Fair 2015, launched in the mountainous city of Lai Chau on May 5, is offering broader, productive connection for regional producers and distributors.

More than 200 stalls feature garments, handicrafts, agro-products, machines, home decorations, and electronics, exposing participating businesses’ strengths and potential.

According to Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Chuong, the fair promotes links between businesses in the region and helps them find partners.

Consumers can access high quality products and services via the event, he added.

The fair, part of a programme to promote the industry developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the province of Lai Chau, will run until May 11.

The northwestern region consists 12 mountainous and midland localities of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Son La, Phu Tho, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Hoa Binh, Lang Son and Cao Bang, as well as western districts of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces.

The region, having a long border with Laos and China, also plays an important role in national security-defence and foreign relations.

The region’s GDP growth rate averaged around 9.5 percent and per capita GDP reached 24.7 million VND (1,160 USD) over the last five years.

It is now focused on calling for investments in mineral exploitation, forest product processing, border gate economic activities, and tourism.-VNA