Photo: ctm.vn

The Hungary-Vietnam Business Forum took place in Hanoi on March 5, attracting the participation of 80 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from both countries.

Among the attendees at the forum were the State Secretary for International Economic Relations of the Hungarian Ministry for National Development and Economy, Garamhegyi Abel, the Hungarian Ambassador to Vietnam, Vizi Laszlo, and the President of the Hungary-Vietnam Business Association, Rudolf Rield.

The Hungarian guests said that, in the context of the global economic downturn, the forum offers an opportunity for the two countries’ SMEs to discuss measures to tackle these difficulties.

Numerous Hungarian businesses expressed an interest in the Vietnamese market, they said, adding that Hungary hopes to expand bilateral ties across other fields, such as education, software and water treatment, in addition to its traditional trade cooperation.

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Bui Xuan Khu two-way trade between Vietnam and Hungary exceeded 100 million USD in 2008.

Vietnam’s main exports to Hungary include food, agricultural and light industry products, while it imports pharmaceuticals, medical, energy and railway equipment from the European country.

The Hungary-Vietnam Business Forum was held during the working visit to Vietnam by State Secretary Garamhegyi Abel, to implement the Hungarian government’s 35 million EUR ODA aid for the Southeast Asian country.

Source: VNA