A Vietnam office in the northern Emilia-Romagna region of Italy made its debut on May 8, acting as a direct link to boost economic and trade ties between the two sides.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long said the office will help share information and promote investment and cooperation between Vietnam and the region in particular and the two countries in general.

It will bring businesses of both sides closer, while introducing Vietnam’s potential to Emilia-Romagna region as well as its surrounding areas, he said, adding that the office will also help fostering cooperation in tourism and education and training between the two sides.

The office, managed by the Vietnamese Embassy and funded by Emilia-Romagna region, will focus on creating favourable conditions for businesses in the region to seek their Vietnamese partners as well as helping those from Vietnam to seek business opportunities in Emilia-Romagna, and attracting investment and technology from Emilia-Romagna .

A business forum themed “The Destination of Vietnam” was held after the opening ceremony to discuss cooperation potential among businesses from Emilia-Romagna region and Italy in general and those from Vietnam .

Tomaso Andreatta, Vice Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, said on a video call to the workshop that thanks to Vietnam ’s preferential incentives for foreign investors, many Italian firms, such as Piaggio and Ariston, have yielded fruits in the Vietnamese market.

He emphasised the importance of Southeast Asian markets, especially Vietnam, which can serve as a gateway for Italian enterprises to enter other markets including the ASEAN, ASEAN+6, especially China and India.

He also expressed his belief that Vietnam will be a promising destination for businesses from Emilia-Romagna region.

Chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam Michele D’Ercole, also on a video call, spoke of Vietnam’s advantages of stable economic growth, favourable business and investment environment, and workforce.

He pointed out areas for cooperation between Vietnam and Italy, including Emilia-Romagna, such as waste treatment, environment equipment, biotechnology, vocational training and tourism.

The forum is part of “Vietnam Days in Emilia-Romagna ”, which run from May 3-11.

A programme to introduce Vietnamese traditional food is scheduled to be held by the Vietnamese Embassy on May 11.

Considered one of the most prosperous region in Italy and Europe, Emilia-Romagna is a key centre of mechanical and manufacturing industries in Italy.-VNA