Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hu Qian Wen expressed his pleasure at the fine development of bilateral cooperative relations between Vietnam and China. He noted that the two countries’ leaders, localities and agencies have regularly exchanged visits, whilst trade and economic cooperation have continued to grow with two-way trade turnover reaching more than US$9.9 billion in 2006.

Deputy head of the Vietnam-China Cultural Exchange Club Pham Nhu Cuong said the Friendship Association has agreed to go ahead with the Cooperation Programme for 2006-2008 aimed at strengthening cooperation and boosting trade and economic development in border areas. Both sides have also conducted joint research on international issues and promoted education about the Vietnam-China tradition of friendship and comprehensive cooperation, thereby creating favourable conditions for establishment of local friendship association chapters.