Vietnam keen to improve trade, investment cooperation with Pakistan.

KARACHI -- Deputy Director General of Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade Mr. Do Quoc Hung, who led a high level Vietnamese delegation to Karachi Chamber, said that Vietnam's global trade turnover was more than US$500 billion this year, of which Pakistan-Vietnam trade volume was around US$600 million only which was way too low against the expectations and potentials.

'This meager trade volume can certainly be improved as both countries have many advantages and potentials while Vietnamese government is keen to improve trade and investment cooperation with Pakistan', he added while speaking at a Business-to-Business meeting between Vietnamese delegates and KCCI members.

Commercial Counselor of Vietnam Nguyen Hong Tien, Acting President KCCI Arshad Islam, Vice President KCCI Shahid Ismail, Chairman of KCCI's Diplomatic Missions and Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Shamoon Zaki, Chairman Fairs, Exhibitions and Trade Delegations Subcommittee Haroon Qaiser, Managing Committee members and others were also present at the meeting.

Highlighting some of the advantages and potential for developing trade and investment cooperation, Deputy DG of Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade said, 'Vietnam and Pakistan have been enjoying very good political and friendly relations while the two countries are huge markets as Vietnam's population is roughly 100 million and Pakistan's population is double of Vietnam's population hence there is a great demand for numerous commodities on both sides.'

'Moreover, Pakistan's business community can consider Vietnam as gateway to ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) region and can also benefit from the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) which have been signed by Vietnam with many countries around the world', he added.

He said, 'As Vietnamese government is keen to develop trade and investment cooperation with Pakistan, this trade delegation has been sent which comprises of manufacturers and suppliers of spices, health supplement, herbal drinks, rice, wheat, coffee, animal feed, frozen seafood, confectionery and beverage, biological products, agricultural products and frozen seafood etc.'

Vietnamese Deputy DG was of the opinion that Karachi Chamber with a strong membership base of 23,000 direct and more than 55,000 indirect members was the right platform which can bridge and connect the business communities of the two countries.

He hoped that...