Later, PM Dung will attend the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland and hold a dialogue with chief executive officers (CEOs) of the world's leading companies.

Mr Dung’s entourage include Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Doan Manh Giao, Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc, Minister of Trade Truong Dinh Tuyen, Minister of Industry Hoang Trung Hai, as well as leaders and representatives from central agencies and nearly 40 businesses.

PM Dung’s visit to Italy aims to increase Vietnam’s position and prestige in the international arena and help Italy and international friends get a better understanding of Vietnam’s achievements and policies on socio-economic development. It also helps promote political ties and boost cooperative relations between the two countries in various fields, such as economics, investment, trade, culture and education.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese PM will meet with Pope Benedict 16 and the Vatican Prime Minister.

On the sidelines of the forum, scheduled for January 25-27, the PM will also meet with media workers to brief them on Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements.

PM Dung will attend a special session which will be held by the WEF to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He will also hold meetings with around 20 State leaders and CEOs of multinational groups.

Prior to his departure for home, PM Dung and his entourage will meet with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland.

On behalf of the PM, Trade Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen will attend a meeting of economic leaders to discuss the Doha round of talks. The meeting will be chaired by World Trade Organisation Director-General Pascal Lamy.

Industry Minister Hoang Trung Hai will join some discussion sessions, including a session on regional economic-trade cooperation trends and world economic prospects in 2007.

VOVNews/VNA