>> Vietnam, Pakistan boost trade cooperation

VCCI Vice Chairman Doan Duy Khuong said Vietnam and Pakistan have signed agreements and memorandums of understanding in diplomacy, trade, finance, banking, science, technology and seafood since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972. These documents are a legal framework for the two countries to boost cooperation.

Bilateral trade relations between the two countries have developed well in recent years. Two-way trade turnover increased from US$80 million in 2005 to US$222.7 million in 2010 and reached nearly US$90 million in the first four months of this year.

Khuong said he hopes that the two countries will make full use of their combined potential strength to further develop bilateral ties in the future with support from the two governments and trade promotion agencies.

Zafar Mahmood, Pakistani Deputy Minister of Trade said foreign countries, including Pakistan, are very impressed by Vietnam’s rapid economic development. Currently, Pakistan exports raw materials for Vietnam’s garment and seafood sectors.

The seminar provides a good chance for the two countries to increase and develop cooperation in the future, Mahmood said.