The Vietnam Expo 2016 opened in Hanoi on April 13 with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue and representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI).

The event attracted the participation of more than 500 enterprises from over 20 countries and territories, showcasing their products at 520 stands, including local big names such as the Hanoi Trade Corporation (Hapro), the Vietnam Electrical Equipment Joint Stock Corporation (GELEX) and the Tan A Dai Thanh Group.

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue (2nd from R) visiting a booth at the Viet Nam Expo 2016. Photo: VGP

Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETTRADE) Bui Huy Son said the event will create opportunities for businesses to partner with both domestic and international enterprises, to improve export growth and attract foreign investment.

Belarus is the honoured guest at this year’s fair, which is seen as a significant initiative in the context that Vietnam signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Belarus is a member, he added.

Hailing the growing importance of the expo, Director of the Hanoi office of the Trade Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Korea (Kotra Hanoi), Lee Kyu Seon, said the fairs have brought cooperation opportunities for both Vietnamese and RoK businesses, adding that 71 RoK firms are attending this year’s event with 76 stands.

First launched in 1991, the prestigious annual event is helping foreign enterprises seek business opportunities and meet up with potential partners in Vietnam.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the National Trade and Advertising Joint Stock Company (Vinexad), the Expo will run until April 16.

Source: VNA