Vietnam has potential for strong economic development and has proven its attractiveness for foreign businesses, including those from Italy , said an official of the Lombardy Business Association (Assolombarda).

The operation model of Vietnam ’s small and medium-sized enterprises is suitable for Italian firms, encouraging them to seek opportunities for investment and cooperation in the Southeast Asian nation, Chiara Fanali, who is in charge of Milan-based Assolombarda’s international business division, said at a workshop on economic cooperation between the two sides on June 16.

She highly valued contributions made by the Vietnamese Embassy to Italy , particularly the commercial section, to promoting bilateral economic cooperation.

Fanali expressed her hope that the Vietnamese Embassy will continue to be a bridge for the two countries’ companies, increasing effectiveness in bilateral trade.

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Khanh Thoai highlighted the political and socio-economic development that now provides opportunities for business in Vietnam and called on Italian businesses to increase investment in Vietnam .

Vietnam is Italy ’s stable partner, he said, affirming Vietnam ’s reliable socio-political situation, strong economic development and favourable investment climate.

According to the diplomat, Italian firms have opportunities to invest in or export to Vietnam , including in the fields of infrastructure construction, machinery engineering, mining, agriculture, farm produce processing, chemicals, construction materials, tourism, environmental technology transfer and liquid and solid waste treatment.

The workshop drew Italian firms and a 25-member business mission from Vietnam. /.