Mixing diplomacy with trade
Mixing diplomacy with trade
Business executives met with Viet-namese commercial attaches and counsellors who will soon be stationed in India, the US, Belgium, Sweden, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, and Japan at a meeting in HCM City yesterday.
The meeting was meant to help the diplomats understand businesses' requirements and how they can help promote Vietnamese investment and trade in the countries they are headed for.
Dang Hoang Giang, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Cashew Association, said his business group hoped they would help link Vietnamese businesses with foreign partners, especially in the US and EU.
Recently many Indian cashew businesses had made a beeline for Viet Nam to take advantage of lower costs, and the Vietnamese commercial counsellor in India should apprise firms there about investing in Viet Nam.
He as well as several others said commercial counsellors and attaches should regularly update Vietnamese businesses on new hygiene and food safety requirements in the US.
Dao Tien Dung, office manager at the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City, said he wanted the diplomats to promote Viet Nam's wood products and its annual exhibition in foreign markets.
Attendees said besides working on increasing trade, the diplomats should also keep on top of trade barriers in foreign countries and keep Vietnamese businesses informed.
Dinh Hong Ky, chairman and CEO of Secoin Building Material Corporation, said since e-commerce plays an important role in connecting Vietnamese businesses with foreign partners, the country's commercial agencies abroad should set up specific e-commerce portals for each country.
He also wanted the diplomats to help assess Vietnamese businesses' foreign partners.
Thai Van Truong, the Vietnamese commercial attache in Washington, said trade between Viet Nam and the US had shot up in recent years and the US had become one of Viet Nam's most important trade partners.
The US had large investments abroad but not in Viet Nam, he said, adding the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership would open up opportunities.
Ta Quang Hoa, commercial attache in Morocco, said the African country had much demand for products exported by Vietnamese companies like seafood, computers, and copra.
"Those businesses that are interested in the [Moroccan] market can contact me, and I'll wholeheartedly support them."
The meeting was organised by the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City.
