Forum pushes Vietnam, Italy trade ties
The establishment of a strategic partnership between Italy and Vietnam has opened opportunities for the two countries to elevate trade ties across a wide spectrum of sectors and stimulate Italian investment into Vietnam.
The statement was made by Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long at a January 14 seminar under the framework of Vietnam Cultural Day in Rome.
Speakers at the seminar appreciated Vietnam’s potential – an Asian country with abundant population, skilful workers and an average GDP growth rate of 5-6% annually.
Despites positive signals from Italian investors, Italian investment in the country has not matched with the market’s potential.
By December 2014, Italy had invested in 57 projects in Vietnam with registered capital of US$300 million, ranking 29 out of 101 foreign investors in the country.
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Last year, many Italian business delegations made fact-finding tours of the country to seek opportunities.
A representative from Lazio region, Guido Fabiani spoke highly of Vietnam’s investment garnering potential and stated the region would launch a promotion programme on Vietnam to encourage its businesses to seek investment opportunities in the country.
Sharing the same view with Fabiani, Unindustria Vice President Attilio Tranquilli said Lazio could cooperate with Vietnam manufacturing of industrial equipment, garment and leather industries.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda underscored that Italian enterprises could strengthen cooperation in many fields, including techniques, high-tech and machinery manufacturing.
According to latest statistics, the two-way trade turnover hit US$3.5 billion last year and has been projected to reach US$5 billion euro in 2016.
