Rome (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung on October 1 attended a business forum on Southeast Asian markets held in the city of Brescia in Northern Italy, at the invitation of President of the Federation of Employers (Confindustria) of Brescia province Franco Gusalli Beretta.
Hung was the only guest at the forum as Vietnam is Italy’s leading trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Prominent businesses of Brescia province in industrial fields such as iron and steel production, machinery and engine manufacturing, and industrial products like rubber, components, consumer goods, food and beverages attended the forum which aimed to support Italian businesses to seize opportunities in Southeast Asian markets, particularly Vietnam.
Speaking at the event, Hung informed participants about Vietnam's outstanding economic development achievements after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (renewal) process, its economic development orientations, and favourable policies for businesses and foreign investors.
He affirmed that the Vietnam - Italy Strategic Partnership is developing strongly with new vitality, recently highlighted by the opening of offices in Vietnam by SACE and SIMEST - two leading Italian institutions to support businesses and a direct flight between Italy and Vietnam from next year, which will open a new phase of cooperation between the two countries.
Confindustria President Brescia Beretta highly appreciated Hung’s attendance at the forum, saying that Vietnam is a very attractive market with great potential for Brescia enterprises in the context of Brescia's annual trade exchange with ASEAN countries reaching nearly 313 million Euros (345 million USD) and the province currently has 20 investment projects in ASEAN.
On the sidelines of the forum, major enterprises of Brescia province were interested in discussing and learning about Vietnam's possibility to provide industrial rubber sources. They said they are also planning to visit Vietnam to learn more about the market soon.
During his working visit to Brescia arranged by member of the Chamber of Deputies Giangiacomo Calovini, who is also head of Brothers of Italy and a member of the chamber’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Hung had meetings with Prefect of Brescia province Andrea Polichetti and Mayor of Brescia City Laura Castelletti.
On this occasion, he invited businesses of Brescia province to attend the Vietnam - Italy Coffee Day that is schemed to take place on October 9, and the Vietnam - Italy decentralised partnership and cooperation conference on October 17.
He also visited Brescia University, worked with its Board of Directors and met with Vietnamese students and postgraduates studying there. The university has had many cooperation projects with Vietnam./.
