Mr Triet made the statement at a reception given to visiting President Roberto Colannino of Italy’s Piaggio Group in Hanoi on November 20.

The Vietnamese State leader highlighted Piaggio’s investment project in Vietnam, emphasising that Vietnam firmly backs foreign investors in their pursuit of success, as they will contribute to Vietnam’s development process.

He proposed that Roberto Colannino continue to publicise the opportunities available in Vietnam and attract Italian businesses to seek investment in the country.

Roberto Colannino informed his host of the status of the Piaggio Group’s operations in Vietnam as well as its plan to expand its activities and its strategy to diversify products in the country in the coming time.

He said that his group is happy with the performance of its business in Vietnam and plans to increase its investment to make Piaggio Vietnam become the group’s central hub in Asia.

Both the host and guest engaged in an exchange on the two countries’ relations and prospects for future cooperation.

In his capacity as President of the Italian flag-ship airline Alitalia, Roberto Colannino affirmed his wish to cooperate with Vietnam Airlines in opening a direct air route between the two countries.

President Triet said that bilateral relations have been developing soundly, suggesting that Vietnam and Italy should promote cooperation in economics, trade, investment and cultural exchange.

He reiterated his hope that Alitalia and Vietnam Airlines will soon study the opening of a direct air route between the two countries.