The Ho Chi Minh City Exhibition and Trade Fair 2012 opened in Phnom Penh on March 28, drawing the participation of more than 150 businesses from Vietnam to highlight Vietnamese-made products.

Attending the opening ceremony were Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Mensom Ol, Trade Minister Cham Prasith, Phnom Penh Mayor Kep Chuktema and many Vietnamese officials.

Speaking at the event, Cambodian Deputy PM Mensom Ol said this is an important event in the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Year towards the 45 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

She spoke highly of HCM City ’s efforts in organising such an annual fair in Cambodia , saying that it helps boost the economic-trade and service cooperation, as well as strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The fair offers a chance for Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses to meet and exchange experience, she added.

According to the Deputy PM, the Cambodian Government is implementing an open market economic guideline with clear investment law to attract foreign investment, firstly from neighbouring countries like Vietnam .

The event will last until April 1.-VNA