Expo 2010 – Effective Trade Promotion Channel

The Vietnamese economy has shown signs of recovery. Foreign investors consider the country an attractive destination with many opportunities. On the occasion of the 20th EXPO Vietnam, to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Nguyen Khac Luan, General Director of Vietnam National Trade Fair & Advertising Company (Vinaxad) on results that the annual Expos have brought to date.

What are your comments about the results the annual expo has brought for Vietnam over the two past decades?

20 years is long enough to affirm the development of a programme. In recent years, the Expo has been expanded to become a national trade promotion programme, seen as an effective promotion channel by both domestic and foreign business communities.

Vietnam Expo has become the most prestigious, large-scale such event in Vietnam, with great participation from businesses. It has also seen increasing numbers of contracts signed. This is a good sign for trade promotion and development activities of both domestic and foreign companies. We believe the activities of Vietnam Expo 2010 creates the best business opportunities for enterprises.

What is new in Vietnam Expo 2010 compared to previous years?

Vietnam Expo 2010 to be held in the context of increasing signs of national economic recovery after the global economic downturn. The event has received strong support from local companies. It is a very good opportunity for Vietnamese to seek partners, expand their markets and boost technology transfers.

Domestic firms from 20 cities and provinces nationwide have booked 400 of the total 700 stalls to display key products such as agro-forestry-fishery and food; wood products, traditional handicraft products; garments, textile and footwear; electronic technology and engineering; machinery equipment, construction materials and interior furniture and trade services.

Besides, Vietnam Expo 2010 are attended by companies from 17 countries and territories, including the US, China, Japan, Russia, Cuba, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand.

How will the Expo impact export activities?

In previous years, we held a national trade promotion fair. However, with the strong development and integration of the world economy, the Expo has developed into Vietnam’s largest trade promotion fair and also become an effective trade promotion channel for export activities. The 2009 Expo attracted 520 stalls from 14 countries and territories nationwide, with 526 contracts and deals on export, trade and investment cooperation signed. Many contracts are still being negotiated. We expect that Vietnam Expo 2010 increase these figures and open more opportunity for exports.

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