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Vietnam, Iran seek trade and business opportunities
Strengthening and promoting trade and economic relations between Vietnam and Iran are the theme of a seminar held in Hanoi on July 23.
The seminar was co-organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mine.
The seminar aimed at helping enterprises from both countries to seek business opportunities, is part of activities to celebrate 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries (August 4, 1973-August 4, 2008).
During the seminar, representatives from both countries agreed that the current trade and economic relations have not yet matched the two countries’ potential. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, trade turnover between Vietnam and Iran reached nearly US$30 million in 2003, US$39 million in 2004, US$100 million in 2005 and around US$80 million in the 2006-2007 period. Vice Chairman of VCCI Doan Duy Khuong said the figures were very modest and called for a stronger effort to boost trade and economic cooperative relations between the two countries.
Iranian ambassador to Vietnam Ghavam Shahidi and vice chairman of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mine Ali Asghar Khamvani said Vietnam and Iran have great potential for cooperation in the field of economics and trade. Apart from the traditional areas of agriculture, garment and textiles, both countries can expand cooperation in credit, banking and tourism services. Iran is committed to supporting and creating favourable conditions for foreign investors including Vietnamese enterprises.
However, both Mr Shahidi and Mr Khamvani said the most obstacle to enterprises from both countries is a lack of updated information and proposed setting up a mechanism for helping them seek business and cooperative opportunities.
In early August, Vietnam will send a delegation to attend the “Vietnam-Iran Business Forum” in Tehran while Iran will arrange for a delegation of enterprises to come to Hanoi with the aim of seeking business opportunities in Vietnam.
Iran has a great demand for importing rice, rubber, coffee, pepper, timber and wood products, footwear, plastics, cashew nuts, ceramics, rattans and bamboos from Vietnam.
VNA
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