Avalos suggested the two sides actively implement inked agreements and consider signing new ones, towards laying a legal foundation for long-term cooperation between the two countries in the future.
Ambassador Nguyen Dinh Thao (C) and Ambassador Luis Fernando Avalos (3rd from L) at Paraguay's Foreign Ministry. Photo: Vietnam+
While speaking of Vietnam’s experience made in its Doi moi (renewal) process, he affirmed that his country’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy will contribute to expanding two-way trade in the future.
For his part, Ambassador Thao expressed his hope that Paraguay will back Vietnam’s proposals on considering possibilities of negotiating and signing a preferential trade agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), which groups Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
He asked the two Governments to further support the two countries’ enterprises in seeking business opportunities and setting up partnerships in trade and investment.
A delegation from 20 Vietnamese enterprises is scheduled to visit Paraguay for trade and investment promotion activities this July, Thao said, adding that a seminar will be held to introduce potential for cooperation and business opportunities in both countries.
Meeting with Ana Chuang, the National Director of Investment and Export Network under Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ambassador Thao invited Paraguay’s enterprises to take part in the Vietnam International Food Industry Exhibition 2016 (Vietnam Food Expo 2017) in November this year.
He also suggested considering negotiations and signing of a memorandum of understanding on economic and trade cooperation between the two countries’ industry and trade ministries.
On the occasion, the Vietnamese diplomat also had meetings with Paraguayan enterprises, and responded to queries of the host country’s television and radio stations on potential and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
Vietnam-Paraguay trade in 2016 valued at 75 million USD, up 25 percent against 2015. Vietnam mainly exports coffee, sport shoes, electric fans, rubber, and rattan and bamboo products, ceramics and textiles to Paraguay.
Source: VNA