Viet Nam, Uzbekistan discuss boosting relations

HCM CITY — Officials met in HCM City on Wednesday to discuss measures to improve long-term relations between Vietnamese and Uzbekistani businesspeople after describing the current level of trade as "modest".

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu and Uzbek First Deputy Minister of External Economic Affairs, Investment and Trade N Nazhimov, were leading delegations from Viet Nam and Uzbekistan, respectively, at the meeting. Host and guest shared the view that the two countries should speed up trade promotion activities and help businesses conduct feasibility studies in each other's market and develop economic co-operative ties.

These steps were necessary to boost trade revenues from the current level of just US$7.9 million in 2009, they said, acknowledging that trade relations stayed below the potential and expectation of the two countries.

More seafood companies export to Brazil

HA NOI — The number of businesses exporting aquatic products to Brazil has now increased to four, double that of 2009, the Viet Nam Association for Seafood Exporters and Producers has said.

In the first six months of this year, Viet Nam exported to Brazil 5,800 tonnes of tra fish worth about US$12 million and 18 tonnes of other fresh and frozen fish, equivalent to roughly $36,900. According to tra fish exporters, Brazil is a potentially huge market but due to low prices, it does not yet appeal to Vietnamese exporters.

To smooth exports to Brazil, especially as Vietnamese tra fish are competing in price with Brazilian carp, Viet Nam's commercial office in Brazil recommends that domestic businesses should ensure the volume and quality of their products when exporting to the South American country.

Pico Mall to open in Dong Da District

HA NOI — The Pico Mall Centre project in Ha Noi's Dong Da District, has begun construction. The centre covers 150,000sq.m and will have five floors for shopping, restaurants, exhibitions and advertising. The centre is a part of the Mipec Building Complex.

Ha Noi promotes locally-made products in rural areas

HA NOI — Ha Noi's Department of Industry and Trade will organise an additional 31 Vietnamese goods trading sessions in suburban districts including Dong Anh, Tu Liem, Soc Son, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho and Quoc Oai to meet consumer demand and encourage local people to use Vietnamese goods.

Besides the Ha Noi Trading Corporation, the programme also attracted the participation of private companies and manufacturers. — VNS