On the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Chile, he told Vietnam New Agency reporters that he is very optimistic about the bilateral economic cooperation development. In the coming time, Chile plans to invest in a US$50 million project in Vietnam.

 "For us, this is an important project. The two sides are discussing the project, which may cover such fields as industry, finance, banking or tourism," he said.

 Relating to Chile's support for Vietnam's organisation of the APEC Summit 2006, Mr Canelas affirmed his faith that Vietnam, with its competent staff, will successfully host the large regional conference. Chile will appoint Ambassador Scoknick, who directly attended the Organising Board of the APEC Summit 2004 in Santiago, Chile, to meet Vietnamese officials to share experiences.

The Charge d' Affaires stressed that the friendship between Vietnam and Chile will further develop in the coming time. Chile will continue its support for Vietnam's bid to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and coordinate with Vietnam at the Non-Aligned Countries' Forum. He said Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will visit Vietnam in November to attend the APEC Summit 2006.