A Vietnam-Guangxi trade and investment seminar opened in Hanoi on May 11, attracting hundreds of Vietnamese and Chinese businesses.

The seminar provided a good opportunity for Vietnamese and Guangxi authorities to introduce their investment, policies and co-operation projects and discuss measures to boost economic and trade exchanges between the two sides.

Speaking at the seminar, chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc said two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and China in 2006 reached more than US$10 billion, including more than US$1.4 billion between Vietnam and Guangxi. Vietnam’s co-operation with China in general and with Guangxi in particular in implementing technical, industrial, tourism and services projects, transportation and infrastructure has obtained significant results but they are still far from expected. So the two sides are planning to increase two-way trade turnover with a view of reducing Vietnam’s import surplus, Mr Loc said.

Guangxi province shares the border with three Vietnamese provinces. It plays an important role in promoting economic and trade co-operation with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.

Mr Loc said Guangxi province is actively implementing trade, investment, tourism and services co-operation projects with Vietnam.

Party Committee Secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Liu Qibao said in the past 8 years, Vietnam has always been Guangxi’s biggest partner with its growth rate of more than 108 percent. Currently, Guangxi has 58 projects worth more than US$50 million operating in Vietnam. In the near future, the two sides will strengthen infrastructure co-operation and build a highway linking Nanning and Hanoi.