The event attracted a number of Vietnamese and Iranian companies engaging in garment, footwear, construction materials, aquatic and agricultural products, and household appliance production.

 

Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc said the two countries have signed many agreements relating to agriculture, aquatic products, culture, education, banking, customs and aviation.

 

In 2016, bilateral trade reached 116.9 million USD, including 86.8 million USD worth of Vietnamese exports.

 

While Iran is a big market in the Middle East and has advantages of energy, petrochemistry and mining, Vietnam is a gateway to the ASEAN region and boasts considerable agricultural and fishery potential, he noted.

 

Tourism is also a promising field for cooperation as Vietnam is home to many beautiful landscapes attractive to Iranian visitors, Loc added.

 

Gholamhossein Shafei, President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, said with the largest oil reserves in the world, Iran can supply Vietnam with petrochemical products, asphalt, polymer, base oil and minerals. In fact, it has exported a large volume of asphalt and polymer to Vietnam every year.

 

He said Vietnam can act as a bridge for Iran’s goods to enter other ASEAN countries. Meanwhile, Iran, located in a 400 million-strong region, is also a gateway for Vietnamese products to access the Middle Eastern, Central Asian and European markets.

 

Tran Van Tri, Chairman of the board of directors of the An Viet Investment and International Cooperation JSC, highlighted the potential partnership in cruise ship building and fishing. 

 

He elaborated that as Iran owns rich fisheries resources in the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf, its fisheries sector is attractive enough for Vietnamese firms to seek investment and cooperation opportunities.