At a reception for the new ambassador in Hanoi on September 12, PM Dung said Vietnam-Italy trade ties are yet to match their potential although two-trade exceeded US$ 1.5 billion in 2007.

He welcomed Italy’s decision to open a trade office in Hanoi and thanked the Italian government for aiding flood-affected provinces in Vietnam’s northern mountainous region.

According to Ambassador Andrea Perugini, Italy has decided to grant 1 million EUR to Vietnam’s flooded provinces.

He also said the Italian Minister of Economic Development will lead a delegation of 150 Italian businesses to seek investment opportunities in Vietnam.

The ambassador pledged to coordinate closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to implement bilateral cooperation agreements.