Statistics from the VietnameseMinistry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) showed that two-way trade soared from 14million USD in 2002 to 388.1 million USD in 2012 and over 900 million USD in2017. Vietnam has always recorded a trade surplus with the South Asian country.
By the end of December 2017,Bangladesh invested in four projects in Vietnam with a total registered capitalof 615,000 USD, ranking 99th out of 125 countries and territoriesinvesting in Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam poured 27,900 USD into a project inBangladesh, making it the 68th position in the list of 72 countries andterritories where Vietnam has invested in.
Bangladesh has called onVietnamese businesses to invest in the fields of electricity production,information technology, footwear, infrastructure development, bonsaicultivation, fruit and vegetable farming. Bangladesh is also exploringcooperation opportunities in pearl farming in both sea and fresh water.
In order to achieve the goal of 1billion USD in two-way trade, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Tran Van Khoasuggested the two countries increase trade exchanges as well as trade and investmentpromotion activities; encourage enterprises to join exhibitions, fairs andworkshops held in each nation; further expand ties in the fields of theirstrength and demand; facilitate visits and diversify exports.
Do Huu Huy, Deputy Director ofthe MoIT’s Department of Africa, West Asia and South Asia Markets, said Vietnamesefirms should fully tap potential in Bangladesh such as rapid economic growth,young and abundant labour forces and huge market.
Bangladeshi Ambassador to VietnamSamina Naz said a business forum will be held on March 6 with over 100Vietnamese and Bangladeshi companies taking part to seek opportunities.
During a working session withBangladeshi Food Minister Qamrul Islam, Vietnamese Minister of Industry andTrade Tran Tuan Anh said two-way trade remains below expectations of bothsides.
He called for expandingpartnerships across fields such as chemicals, machinery engineering, foodprocessing and farm produce, and especially high-tech agriculture.-VNA