EU food firms to seek VN business

October 31, 2016 - 10:52

The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will lead a high-level trade mission to Southeast Asia, including Việt Nam, to explore market opportunities in the region.

The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will lead a high-level trade mission to Southeast Asia, including Viet Nam, to explore market opportunities in the region. — Photo thesaigontimes.vn

HCM CITY — The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will lead a high-level trade mission to Southeast Asia, including Việt Nam, to explore market opportunities in the region.

Việt Nam will in fact be the first stop on Phil Hogan’s itinerary, with the delegation visiting Hà Nội and HCM City from November 2 to 4.

The delegation comprises 41 business executives from food and beverage companies.

According to the EU Delegation to Việt Nam, they represent businesses from various countries like Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the UK.

They are expected to promote as safe, high-quality and nutritious a range of agricultural and food products like fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, poultry, processed foods, milk and dairy products, and wine and spirits.

They will have a busy itinerary including seminars on the EU-Viêt Nam Free Trade Agreement and quality food concepts such as Geographical Indications, business opportunities in Việt Nam, a networking lunch, visits to local and international retailers, and B2B meetings.
As a rapidly growing ASEAN economy, Việt Nam offers substantial potential for EU businesses.

The EU is among Việt Nam’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching 38.4 billion euro (US$41.93 billion) last year, with the latter enjoying a trade surplus.

The EU was the second largest overseas market for Vietnamese products after the US and Việt Nam ranked 21st among the bloc’s trading partners.

The visit comes at an opportune time since the two sides have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement and expect to sign soon. — VNS

 

E-paper