Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Quy, President of the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association, said the Canadian business delegation's visit will help promote the relations between the two countries.

“The participation of many Canadian businesses of Vietnamese origin in the delegation shows the Vietnamese community's interest in enhancing trade and investment ties with their homeland,” said Mr Quy.

Meanwhile, Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Gabriel Lessard congratulated Vietnam on its successful organisation of the 14^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and its recent admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He also praised the important role played by the Vietnamese community in Canada, which now numbers 200,000, in promoting economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

On this occasion, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations presented the insignia "For Peace and Solidarity among Nations" to Do Trac Bang, President of the Canada-Vietnam Friendship Association in recognition of his active contribution to the Vietnamese community in Canada, as well as to fostering the friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries’ people.

A seminar was held during the meeting for businesses of the two countries to seek trade and cooperation opportunities.

VNA/VOVNews