The events were attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Pham Van Que; Deputy Director of the Vietnamese Defence Ministry’s Economic Department Colonel, Pham Viet Thich; President of the Mexico-ASEAN Business Committee, Enrique Michel; and President of the Asia-Pacific Directorate of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Sergio Ley. 

Speaking at the events, Mr. Ley expressed his belief that the first meeting would help Mexican and Vietnamese businesses strengthen mutual understanding, thus laying the foundation for their effective cooperation agreements in the future. 

Enrique Michel spoke highly of Vietnam’s considerable improvement as seen in its infrastructure, international tourism, food production and export, and international trade. 

According to Michel, two-way trade between Mexico and Vietnam sharply increased from US$60 million in 2001 to US$714 million in 2009. 

Despite this fact, Mexico-Vietnam trade ties still face many challenges ahead that require both sides’ consensus and joint efforts, he said. 

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Van Que said that Mexico is Vietnam’s largest trade partner in Latin America and the two countries have overcome geographical and language obstacles to further their bilateral ties. 

Vietnamese consumers have better understanding about Mexican goods and vice versa, he said. 

The first MVJBC session is the start of a long-term and mutual trust partnership for sustainable development between the two countries, the ambassador stressed.