The participants will include trade counselors or trade representative chiefs in Asia-Pacific markets such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

They will discuss five topics, including the tasks of the trade bureaux in the second half of 2008 and in 2009, measures to curb the trade deficit in Asia-Pacific, and information exchanges between trade bureaux and their branches.

At the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Thanh Bien will inform the participants of the draft law on diplomatic corps and regulations on trade bureau operation.

On the sidelines of the meeting, there will be meetings with representatives of Japan’s ministries and various economic sectors to prepare for a promotional campaign later this year to boost investment in both support and heavy industries.