The figure was released at a Vietnam-China Trade and Economic Co-operation Forum which took place in Hangzhou City on April 28. The forum was held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Vietnamese Embassy in China and Zhejiang Department of Trade.

The forum attracted nearly 500 businesses from the two countries, specilising in machinery manufacturing, light industries, energy, seaport and transport, material production and tourism.

Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung praised the organising of the forum which, he said provides a good opportunity for businesses from two countries to exchange information and seek partners.

PM Dung highlighted that his visit to China aims to attend the Shanghai Expo 2010 and meet with Chinese leaders to discuss measures to boost comprehensive strategic partnerships between the two countries and bring bilateral trade value to US$25 billion in 2010.

Mr Dung affirmed that Vietnamese Government and people always show their friendship and sincere spirit with international friends, especially the Chinese people and are willing to co-operate with foreign investors for mutual benefit.

The Vietnamese Government will create the best conditions for Chinese businesses to invest and expand operations in Vietnam, he said.

PM Dung encouraged Zhejiang businesses to expand investment in Long Giang industrial zone in Tien Giang. He expressed his belief that with the great attention of the two Parties and Governments, there will be more commercial contracts signed and more investment projects will be implemented successfully, helping to boost ties of a friendship and co-operation between the two countries.

At the forum, many co-operative documents between Vietnam and Zhejiang were signed, such as memoranda of understanding on tourism co-operation, information exchange and friendship co-operation agreement between Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee with Zhejiang.

On the same day, PM Dung, his wife and a high-ranking Vietnamese Government delegation left Hangzhou city to visit Ningbo City, which is one of the three biggest economic centres in Zhejiang province.