Hanoi (VNA) – A delegation led by Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My visited Portuguesa state and attended the Páez international fair 2025 to promote economic diplomacy and bolster collaboration between localities of the two countries.
The trip was made at the invitation of Mayor of Páez city Rafael Torrealba. The mission included representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, the Venezuela-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (CAVENVIET), and several Vietnamese agricultural enterprises.
Mayor Torrealba stressed that the visit will enhance mutual understanding and foster stronger connections between Venezuelan localities, including Páez and Portuguesa, and their Vietnamese counterparts.
He expressed his delight over the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two countries, highlighting his personal admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and the heroic Vietnamese people, while praising Vietnam’s great socio-economic achievements, particularly in agriculture.
According to Portuguesa’s deputy governor in charge of economic development Vicente Boscan, Portuguesa has emerged as Venezuela's agricultural powerhouse, earning recognition as the nation's "rice bowl" accounting for 65% of national rice production. Besides, the state leads the nation in the cultivation of corn (52%), sugar cane (55%), sesame (95%), and sunflower (72%).
Boscan outlined Venezuela's strategic shift toward economic diversification, gradually reducing dependence on the oil and gas sector, stressing Portuguesa has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation, prioritising agricultural development as a cornerstone of economic policy.
Venezuela considers Vietnam a successful model in agriculture and desires to cooperate with the country to elevate agriculture as a pillar of economic growth, he said, adding Portuguesa welcomes and stands ready to facilitate Vietnamese investment there.
During meetings and press interactions, Ambassador My provided an overview of Vietnam’s economic and social progress, international integration, achievements since the country’s renewal process, and the potential for expanding Vietnam-Venezuela economic and trade relations.
He pledged to act as a bridge to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, especially in agriculture.
During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation, in partnership with CAVENVIET, organised meetings and forums with Portuguesa businesses and showcased Vietnam’s signature agricultural products at the Páez international fair such as rice, coffee, cashew nuts, cinnamon, and tea./.
