Pham Sy Tam, Vietnamese ambassador to Egypt, says Vietnam has invited Egypt to attend this forum thanks to its vanguard role in Africa.

The forum, which is expected to offer new opportunities for Vietnam and Africa, will draw up a specific plan of action to increase bilateral trade.

Two-way export value between Vietnam and Africa currently stands at US$3 billion, making up only 2 percent of Vietnam’s total exports every year. The figure does not match both sides’ potential, says Mr Tam.

Vietnam mostly exports rice, garments and electronic products to Africa while importing petrol, oil and cotton from this continent. 

The diplomat says there is an increasing demand for Vietnamese products in Africa, especially rice, garments, handicrafts, electronics, and light industrial staples.

Poor access to information is the biggest obstacle to Vietnamese and African businesses due to geographical distance, according to Mr Tam.

He says the forum offers a great chance for the two business communities to share information about their investment environment, customs procedures, and intellectual property, as well as establishing partnerships and opening representative offices in their markets.

Participating countries are expected to support their businesses in organizing workshops, trade exhibitions and fairs in Vietnam and Africa to promote e-commerce.