HCM CITY — More than 750 enterprises from 20 countries and territories are showcasing various products and services at the 16^th Vietnam International Trade Fair that opened on December 5 in HCM City.

Vietnam Expo has 800 booths displaying electrical equipment - electronics, hi-tech products, spare parts, industrial machinery – components, building materials, hardware products and hand tools, and food and beverages.

The fair also enables business executives to compare notes, establish relationships, attract investment, and promote trade.

This year Belarus is the guest of honour at the expo, and nearly 60 leading Belarusian businesses are showcasing products such as agricultural machinery, urban infrastructure facilities, chemical and petrochemicals, and the latest innovations in the pharmaceuticals, food and beverages industries.

“Vietnam Expo is truly known as one of the centres of business activity not only in Việt Nam but in the whole of Southeast Asia,” Belarussian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas told the opening ceremony.

“Here we can see products, services and technologies that will determine the future of the regional and global economies.”

It was two years since the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Việt Nam came into force and the results are already seen, he said.

Last year exports by the union’s member countries to Việt Nam increased by 32 per cent, while in the reverse direction the growth was 28 per cent, he said.

“From a bilateral point of view, we witnessed a dramatic increase in trade in agricultural products and machinery between Belarus and Việt Nam.

“Belarusian and Vietnamese companies are establishing joint production as well.

“A factory for production of Belarusian truck MAZ is being built in Việt Nam. Our companies are currently aiming to establish joint dairy production in Việt Nam.”

The Việt Nam Hardware and Hand Tools Expo, the only exhibition in the country dedicated to electrical equipment, accessories and spare parts, opened concurrently at the same venue.

It has attracted 300 exhibitors from 18 countries and territories, who are displaying products used in electrical repairs, mechanical manufacturing, wood processing, construction, shipbuilding, and gardening.

The event will feature five forums and seminars, including on “The Structure of Construction - New Techniques and Methods of Application in Việt Nam” and “Enhancing Living Standards and Home Improvement: Trends and Best Practices in The Global Manufacturing Chain.”

The two expos, on at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, are organised by the Việt Nam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad) and will go on until December 8. —VNS