(VOV) – Vietnam will open economic offices in Lombardy and Puglia, Southern Italy, in 2014 to introduce its potential for investment cooperation.

These offices will help increase trade information exchanges, seek investment andbusiness partners, and establish coordination mechanisms between Vietnam and Italy.

The information was released at a seminar in Genoa on November 19 as part of the ongoing Vietnam Day in Genoa to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnamand Italy.

In his opening speech, Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long highlighted Vietnam as a large market of 90 million consumers and with a skilled labour force. In addition,Vietnam is the gateway to other markets in Southeast Asia.

However, he said, Vietnam-Italy trade has yet to match their potential. Italy now ranks 9th among foreign investors in Vietnam. As of September 9 2013 the European nation invested in 50 projects with a total registered capitalisation of US$257 million.

Bilateral trade ties have been strengthened in recent times. Business delegations from Emilia-Romagna and Toscana visited Vietnam to seek partners. Other Italian localities noted for industry, trade and services also entered into cooperation agreements withVietnam.

At an international trade seminar in Salerno, Southern Italy held on the same day, the Trade Office under the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy introduced visitors to Vietnam’s potential, its key products, and opportunities for investment and cooperation.

A number of economic seminars were held in Italy recently, offering local entrepreneurs the chance to meet and establish partnerships with Vietnamese businesses.

Source: http://www.vietnambreakingnews.com