Vietnamese businesses and their French counterparts, especially those from Val-de-Marne province, gathered at a meeting on June 23 to explore potential and opportunities for forging their trade links.

The event was co-hosted by the Trade Promotion Agency under the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and Val-de-Marne province’s Development Agency.

Speaking at the event, head of the Trade Promotion Agency Bui Huy Son introduced participants to Vietnam’s key exports as well as the country’s import demand for equipment to serve its economic development.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Son said the event was designed to support domestic firms accelerate exports to the French market with 65 million consumers.

Two-way trade between the two countries in 2013 hit 3.5 billion EUR. Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of over 2 billion EUR with France in the same year. Vietnamese key export lines are textiles and garments, aquatic products and electronics.

As one of Vietnam’s leading European markets, France provides an important gateway for Vietnamese goods to reach other European nations, Son noted.

He added that Vietnamese exporters see bright prospects in France because of stable and transparent policy issued by the French Government.

During the meeting, representatives from Val-de-Marne gave details about local enterprises’ financial potential and strength, as well as the province’s legal incentives for foreign firms operating in the locality and those, which seeks to bolster cooperation with local firms.-VNA