Promoting business cooperation between Vietnam and Turkey

At the forum, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, high-ranking Turkish government officials and over 150 enterprises from the two countries met, exchanged experiences and discussed measures to promote trade ties, investment and bilateral cooperation.

Vice State President Doan highly appreciated Turkey’s economic development efforts during the global economic crisis and confirmed Turkey is now one of Vietnam’s important partners and export markets.

In recent times, two-way trade between the two countries has increased steadily from $426 million in 2009 to $636 million in 2010, and is expected to reach $1 billion by the end of this year.

Opening a direct route from Istanbul to Ho Chi Minh City created favourable conditions to promote tourism and businesses in both countries had more opportunities to seek partners, boost cooperation and develop trade names, Ms Doan said.

However, the current figures don’t match the potential. Enterprises need to develop the advantages fastened by the two governments for stronger comprehensive cooperation and strive to achieve the set goal of $2 billion in two-way trade by 2012 and continue rising gradually in the future, she noted.

Ms Doan also introduced Turkey’s businesses to the favourable Vietnamese environment including stable politics and an improved legal system in accordance with international practices to ensure fairness and equality for investors.

On behalf of Turkey’s government, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc expressed hope that the two governments would create the best possible conditions for businesses to cooperate effectively and explore markets because Turkey is a gateway for Vietnamese enterprises to penetrate the European and Middle Eastern markets. Through Vietnam, Turkish businesses can easily trade with Southeast Asian countries.

He expressed his wish that in the near future, Vietnam and Turkey will sign a trade agreement to boost the good relationship between the two countries.