Vietnam trade fair begins in Cambodia
Phnom Penh (VNA) – The
Vietnam Trade Fair 2017 opened in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, on
November 18, drawing more than 150 businesses of Vietnam and Cambodia.
The event, the eighth edition, was
co-organised by the Defence Ministry and Industry and Trade Ministry of Vietnam
and the Defence Ministry and Commerce Ministry of Cambodia.
It will run till November 22, with over
230 booths, covering an area of about 10,000 square metres. A forum to bolster
Vietnam - Cambodia trade and investment will take place at the event, along
with daily cultural performances.
Speaking at the opening ceremony,
Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Tran Don said Vietnam has to date launched
190 investment projects in Cambodia with total registered capital worth nearly
3 billion USD.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s investment in
Vietnam is also on the rise, with 18 projects capitalizing at over 58 million
USD.
Two-way trade hit 3 billion USD per year and the two countries are striving to
raise the figure to 5 billion USD in upcoming years.
The fair is an important political event
that fosters the friendship between the two nations. It also offers
opportunities for Vietnamese firms to enhance cooperation with their Cambodian
counterparts and explore new markets, thus boosting export to ASEAN member
countries and Cambodia in particular, Don added.
For his part, Cambodian Secretary of
State for Commerce Ok Boung said the event aims to consolidate and develop the
traditional and comprehensive partnership between the two countries,
celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations and the
Vietnam – Cambodia Friendship Year 2017.
The Cambodian officials voiced his
hope that the fair will enhance business connection of the two countries as
various contracts will be inked. He affirmed that the two sides will continue working
in creating optimal conditions for business links for mutual interests.-VNA