HCM CITY — Trade ties between Việt Nam and Turkey, despite rapid expansion in recent years, remain far below potential, according to the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking at a Turkey-Việt Nam Business Forum in HCM City yesterday, Nguyễn Thế Hưng, deputy director general of VCCI HCM City, said the trade grew from US$1 billion in 2012 to $1.5 billion last year, with Việt Nam enjoying a surplus.

But the rapid growth notwithstanding, the trade remains below potential, he said.

Việt Nam exports mainly mobile phones and accessories, fibre and yarn, computers, electronic products and accessories, fabric, and rubber, and imports machinery and equipment, pharmaceuticals, plastic products, and chemicals.

Hưng hoped that the forum, which was attended by executives from 16 Turkish companies and more than 50 of their Vietnamese counterparts, would help the two sides explore business opportunities.

Mustafa Cikrikcioglu, deputy chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, said Việt Nam’s overall exports had more than quadrupled in the last 10 years, with electrical machinery and equipment, shoes, and machinery and mechanical appliances being the top three products.

It imported mechanical devices, boilers and accessories, machinery and mechanical appliances, and plastic products, he said.

Turkey exports these very products to more than 200 countries, according to the businessman.

“However, we see that Turkey’s exports of these products to Việt Nam are below the level they should be. We hope that from this day on we will form stronger bonds and take our trade relations to a higher level.”

Furthermore, through Việt Nam, Turkish exporters could reach the ASEAN market, he said.

Since they are situated in different parts of the world, the two countries specialise in different products, he said.

“We believe that by improving our relations and sharing our experiences, we will increase our trade.

“We are here not only to increase Turkey’s exports, but also to find ways to improve Việt Nam’s exports to Turkey. Our primarily goal is to establish a strong bond with Việt Nam.”

The VCCI and the Turkey Exporters Assembly signed an agreement to help enterprises on both sides step up exchanges and co-operation. — VNS