Vietnamese and Slovakian enterprises explored partnership opportunities during a business forum in Hanoi on November 4, which was jointly organised by the Slovakian Embassy in Hanoi and the Vietnam Chamber for Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

According to VCCI Vice President Doan Duy Khuong, there is room for Vietnam and Slovakia , two highly dynamic markets, to deepen and broaden their trade ties, including closer business connections.

Vietnam can serve as a gateway for Slovakian products to enter the ASEAN market, while Slovakia , a member of the European Union can bridge Vietnam and EU member states, as well as other countries in the region, he said.

Currently, VCCI is promoting trade and investment between the two countries, with a market research trip to Slovakia planned for Vietnamese enterprises later this month, aiming to explore the country’s business environment and seek partners, Khuong announced.

On his part, Miroslav Lajcak , Slovakia ’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, said his country is attractive for investors in mechanics, energy, industry, advanced technology, and the creative industries.

Slovakia always supports small and medium-sized enterprises that play an important role in boosting trade and investment relations between the two countries, he said, pledging favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors.

Slovakia is a leading automobile manufacturer with the highest per capita output of automobiles in the world. The country also has strengths in information and technology, defence industry, electronics, environmental protection and healthcare services.

VCCI data shows that bilateral trade between Vietnam and Slovakia exceeded 407 million USD in 2013. Vietnamese exports, mainly electronic products and spare parts, footwear and apparel, accounted for 391 million USD.

At the end of 2013, Slovakia was operating five investment projects worth 235 million USD in Vietnam, making it the 31 st largest investor in Vietnam, out of a total 101 countries and territories.-VNA