The forum was held on April 29 in the presence of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who is currently on a tour of Zhejiang province.

The trade and investment cooperation between Ningbo and Vietnam has recorded an annual average rise of nearly 30 percent over recent years, said Mayor Mao, noting that 28 Ningbo businesses have opened up representative offices in Vietnam. However, the Mayor said that the level of trade and investment has fallen far short of what both could achieve.

The forum enabled Chinese and Vietnamese businesses to exchange information and explore the opportunities for cooperation in trade and investment to benefit businesses and local people in both countries, said Mayor Mao.

He described the signing of various agreements between the Ningbo city authorities and the People’s Committee of the southern province of Dong Nai as a new driving force behind the two localities’ efforts to tighten friendship.

He pledged that the city will carry out the agreements and facilitate businesses from Ningbo to invest in Vietnam.

PM Dung said that the fast increase in two-way trade between Vietnam and China is attributable to the contributions of many businesses in Zhejiang province and especially Ningbo.

“The Vietnamese Government is eager to do its utmost to promote comprehensive cooperation ties with China in general and Ningbo in particular,” said PM Dung.

PM Dung gave a full account of what Vietnam can offer as well as investment opportunities and trade developments in the country. The Vietnamese economy is fully and effectively integrating into the world’s economy, he said, adding that Vietnam is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and has economic and trade relations with almost every country and territory in the world.

The Vietnamese Government has a consistent policy of being a friendly and reliable partner of all nations and peoples for peace, friendship, development cooperation, equality and mutual benefit, stated Mr Dung, adding that the nation always honours by its commitments with the international community.

He said he believes that the cooperation between the two countries and their businesses would see a number of contracts being signed and investment projects licensed, which would contribute to Vietnam and China’s friendly relationship.

The same day, PM Dung visited the Beilun Maritime Department and Sanqi Wharf buildings.
On April 30, PM Dung is scheduled to meet with Chinese Party’s General Secretary and President Hu Jintao and attend the opening ceremony of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.