Officials cut the ribbon to open Vietnam Trade Fair 2017 opened in Phnom Penh (Photo: VNA)Phnom Penh (VNA) – TheVietnam Trade Fair 2017 opened in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, onNovember 18, drawing more than 150 businesses of Vietnam and Cambodia.
The event, the eighth edition, wasco-organised by the Defence Ministry and Industry and Trade Ministry of Vietnamand the Defence Ministry and Commerce Ministry of Cambodia.
It will run till November 22, with over230 booths, covering an area of about 10,000 square metres. A forum to bolsterVietnam - Cambodia trade and investment will take place at the event, alongwith daily cultural performances.
Speaking at the opening ceremony,Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Tran Don said Vietnam has to date launched190 investment projects in Cambodia with total registered capital worth nearly3 billion USD.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s investment inVietnam is also on the rise, with 18 projects capitalizing at over 58 millionUSD.
Two-way trade hit 3 billion USD per year and the two countries are striving toraise the figure to 5 billion USD in upcoming years.
The fair is an important political eventthat fosters the friendship between the two nations. It also offersopportunities for Vietnamese firms to enhance cooperation with their Cambodiancounterparts and explore new markets, thus boosting export to ASEAN membercountries and Cambodia in particular, Don added.
For his part, Cambodian Secretary ofState for Commerce Ok Boung said the event aims to consolidate and develop thetraditional and comprehensive partnership between the two countries,celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations and theVietnam – Cambodia Friendship Year 2017.
The Cambodian officials voiced hishope that the fair will enhance business connection of the two countries asvarious contracts will be inked. He affirmed that the two sides will continue workingin creating optimal conditions for business links for mutual interests.-VNA
