Sabi Boum Djoule from the Beninese side said the country hopes to boost cooperation with Vietnam in agricultural mechanisation, agricultural processing, health care, technology transfer, and trade exchange.

Ngo Van Roan from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade said Vietnam and Benin have great potential for increasing export-import revenue.

In order to fully tap the potential, businesses from both countries should learn about each country’s market and demand and build a long-term trade relation.

The African country has a huge demand for coffee, pepper, tea, rice, textiles, garments, footwear products, rubber and consumer products, all of which are considered Vietnam’s strengths.

Vietnam-Benin export revenue reached US$46.7 million in the first quarter of 2011.