She told a press conference in Hanoi on October 19 that the Czech Republic is taking part in the 18^th Vietnam International Industrial Fair VIIF from October 20-24.

2009 VIIF is a chance for businesses of Vietnam and the Czech Republic to exchange experience and seek cooperation opportunities, Jirina said.    

In 2008, total trade turnover between the two countries reached US$287 million, up 14 percent against the previous year. The Czech Republic’s exports to Vietnam stayed at US$34 million and its imports at US$253 million, mainly of footwear, garments, fish, rubber materials, wood products and motor vehicles.

Martin Vlastnik, first economic and trade secretary of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Hanoi termed Vietnam as an important partner in the field of economic and trade cooperation. Vietnam tops the list of priorities in the Czech Republic’s export strategy for 2006-2010.