Forum promotes Vietnam-Italy trade links
VOV.VN - Close to 100 delegates representing Vietnamese and Italian organisations and businesses attended the Vietnam-Italy trade promotion forum held on September 19 in Rome.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung applauded the strong growth recorded in the joint strategic partnership across multiple fields, especially in terms of the economy.
He assessed four factors that ensure the future development of mutual ties, including the sound traditional friendship and political determination that exists between both sides. This is along with the stability and attractiveness of the Vietnamese economy, the legal framework promoting import-export and investment activities, along with Vietnamese advantages from free trade agreements.
The Ambassador said he believes that the forum will allow businesses of both sides to foster their connections and optimise the unexploited co-operation potential for mutual benefits. The diplomat therefore pledged to stay ready to support and accompany localities and enterprises of both sides to tap into numerous business and investment opportunities.
Carlo Ferro, president of the Italian Trade Agency, said that the two countries can still do more to promote economic and trade relations, building on previous successes in enabling businesses to meet whilst increasing the exchange of goods. This includes not only agricultural products and fashion but also many others such as industrial machinery and Industry 4.0 technology.
Vietnam currently makes up Italy’s largest trade partner among ASEAN member states, with bilateral trade reaching US$4.25 billion in the first eight months of the year, up 13.9% on-year. At present roughly 6,000 Italian firms are currently investing in the Vietnamese market.
Most notably, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which eliminates import taxes for 99% of tariff lines, has special meaning for bilateral ties with Italy and Vietnam opening their economies and relying heavily on exports.
Vietnam is therefore still a gateway for Italy to enter the 600-million-strong ASEAN market.
Building on the success of the Vietnam-Italy Trade Promotion Forum in Rome, the forum will continue to be held on September 20 in Milan, Italy's largest economic centre. The event will thereby create opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to meet and hold exchanges with their leading counterparts in the Northern region of Italy.