Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in Greece on April 2 organised an online meeting connecting the Federation of Industries of Greece with the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association, aiming to boost Vietnam’s wood exports to the European country.
This marked the first virtual business networking event in the timber sector held by the embassy. Participants from the Greek side included President of the Federation of Industries Loukia A. Saranti and senior officials, along with Vietnam’s Honorary Consul in Thessaloniki.
Representing Vietnam were Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong, members of various associations, and leaders of wood industry businesses from Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province.
Speaking at the event, Huong said the initiative was launched in response to growing interest from Greek businesses in Vietnamese wood products. She noted that the embassy had recently supported a Greek firm in visiting Vietnam, leading to the successful signing of contracts to import plywood, particle boards and interior materials.
The ambassador expressed her hope that the meeting would open up broader opportunities for Vietnam–Greece economic ties.
Ngo Sy Hoai, Secretary General of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association, highlighted the sector’s strengths, noting that Vietnamese wood products are now exported to 118 markets worldwide. Vietnam is currently the world’s second-largest exporter of wood products and the leading exporter of outdoor furniture.
He said Vietnamese firms are keen to cooperate with Greek partners and leverage opportunities brought by the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to expand market access.
Saranti, for her part, welcomed the initiative and expressed her interest in receiving more detailed information about Vietnam’s key export products to share with federation members, paving the way for practical cooperation in future meetings.
She affirmed that the federation stands ready to act as a bridge connecting Vietnamese businesses not only with its members but also with the broader EU market.
Both sides agreed to organise an online business forum in the near future, while the Vietnamese Embassy pledged to continue facilitating connections between enterprises of the two countries./.
