Vietnam seen as a key player in Italy’s Asia strategy
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s economic potential and growing ties with Italy were the focus of the “Meeting Asia” conference in Rome, where experts highlighted the country’s role as Italy’s top ASEAN trade partner and a key market for future cooperation.
More than 120 delegates from diplomatic agencies, local administrations, and businesses attended the “Meeting Asia” conference held on March 14 at Rome’s City Hall, Italy. The event focused on key aspects of bilateral relations, particularly trade, culture, and tourism.
In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung emphasized that the Vietnam-Italy strategic partnership has flourished for over 50 years. Vietnam is currently Italy’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching US$6.9 billion in 2024, marking a 13.1% increase from the previous year. The presence of Leonardo Group, along with credit institutions SACE and Simest in Vietnam, has facilitated trade and investment flows between the two countries while enhancing the presence of Made in Italy products in Vietnam’s 100-million-strong market.
The conference featured four thematic discussion sessions with over 20 speakers, focusing on the cultures and traditions of four Asian countries with close ties to Italy-Vietnam, Thailand, China, and Japan as well as topics related to tourism, agriculture, sustainable development, trade, and contemporary art.
Francesca Leoncini, a representative of Rome’s City Council, affirmed that Asia represents a highly promising market for Italian businesses. Vietnam, in particular, is seen as a fast-growing economy, capturing special attention from Rome and Italy in their strategic partnership plans.
Regarding tourism, experts underscored the importance of Asian visitors to Italy’s tourism sector. Elia Rosciano, President of the Italian Federation of Non-Hotel Accommodation Associations, expressed confidence in expanding cooperation, especially in attracting more Vietnamese tourists to Italy.
Representatives from leading Italian businesses, including the renowned wine producer Marchesi Mazzei and internationalization consultancy Mediterraneo, recognized Vietnam as a dynamic and promising market with rising consumer demand and a favorable investment environment.
Vietnam, Italy seek to further expand economic, investment cooperation
A delegation of the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC) led by its Vice Chairman Nguyen Canh Toan had working sessions with representatives of the Italian insurance and finance group SACE, the CDP Group, and the SIMEST Group on October 24 and 25, as part of their ongoing working trip to Italy.
