Hundreds of scholars, researchers, businessmen and friends of Vietnam gathered in Rome, Italy, on June 20 for a seminar entitled "Vietnam Doi Moi” (Vietnam in Renewal), which was co-organised by the Italian Foreign Ministry and Rome province.

Italian diplomats attending the seminar highlighted the role and position of Vietnam, a country with a population of 80 million people, which is strongly developing. They praised Vietnam's diplomatic efforts on the international arena, stressing that Vietnam will be a priority in Italy's foreign policy in the Southeast Asian region.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Alfredo Matacotta lauded the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people who know how to put aside the past and look to the future.
Representatives of Italian businesses in Vietnam highlighted their successes and experiences in doing business within the country and expressed their desire to boost cooperative ties for mutual benefits.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Le Tien Tho affirmed that the stable political system and sustainable cultural economic growth are important factors behind the country's comprehensive cultural development.

On this occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Van Nam briefed participants about Vietnam's achievements in the renewal process as well as potential for co-operation between the country and Italy.