VCCI Deputy Chairman Doan Duy Khuong delivers a speech at the event. Photo: dddn.com.vn

A Vietnam-Israel Commercial Committee made its debut on July 14 aiming to support future cooperation between the two sides’ firms.

The debut came as part of the Vietnam-Israel Agriculture Enterprise Forum held the same day in Hanoi.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam, the event brought together leading businesses from both countries operating in agriculture, including Israeli firms from the hi-tech agriculture industry.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh asserted that Vietnam always wants to work together with Israel, especially in agriculture, forestry and fishery.

Doanh said Vietnam attaches special importance to attracting foreign investment in agriculture, considering this as a vital leverage to promote the restructuring of its agricultural production and rural economy.

VCCI Deputy Chairman Doan Duy Khuong said Vietnam highly values Israel’s agricultural science and technology development, adding that the two countries’ governments should pay attention to building compact agreements, while reducing administrative procedures to facilitate their businesses’ operation.

Israeli Ambassador in Hanoi Meirav Eilon Shahar revealed that her country has a great interest in Vietnam’s agriculture.

She said the debut of the Vietnam-Israel Commercial Committee will greatly support business partnerships and expressed hope that the two governments will work closely to create the best possible conditions for their businesses’ growth.

According to VCCI, Vietnam’s agriculture has grown strongly over the past two decades, making the country the second largest rice exporter in the world.

Vietnamese agro-forestry and fishery products are now present in 160 countries across the world.

Meanwhile, Israel boasts an advanced agriculture that uses the state-of-the-art technology.

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Israel in 2012 hit 1.1 billion USD.

Source: VNA