The northern Emilia-Romagna region of Italy will assist Vietnam in technology transfer and human resources training as part of two agreements signed in Boglona city on March 12 aiming at boosting economic and trade relations between the two sides.

Under the agreements, which were reached between Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long, Director in charge of production in the region Gian Carlo Muzzarrelli and President of the Emilia-Romagna Union of Chambers of Commerce (Unioncamere Emilia Romagna) Carlo Alberto Roncarati, a Vietnam Office will be established at the Union headquarter.

The office, managed by the Vietnamese Embassy and funded by Emilia-Romagna Emilia-Romagna region, will act as a direct link to strengthen economic and trade ties, as well as assist Vietnam’s businesses to seek investment opportunities in the region and attract its investment capital and technologies to Vietnam.

Emilia-Romagna region will help Vietnam in vocational training, particularly in mechanical engineering industry, under a plan being devised by the two countries to set up a national research and training centre.

Authorities in the region said they have decided to choose Vietnam as one of key markets for its businesses to expand cooperation and investment in 2013.

They also pledged to enhance coordination in organising activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic ties.

Earlier, during his working visit to Boglona, Ambassador Long met with former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who is scheduled to visit Vietnam on March 17-18.

At the meeting, the diplomat informed Prodi of Vietnam’s socio-economic and political situation and fine developments in the Vietnam-Italy relations.-VNA