The Middle East and Africa, with a total population of more than 1.6 billion people and large purchasing power, are emerging as potential markets for Vietnam’s agriculture and aquaculture products as traditional markets have approached the point of saturation. However, the new markets are rather difficult to access due to a number of specific issues, such as cultural or religious differences, food habits and business practices that require suitable access. Participants at the seminar discuss solutions to promote the export of Vietnamese agricultural products into the potential markets of the Middle East and Africa The information was presented at conference on promoting economic diplomacy to facilitate Vietnam’s agricultural and fishery exports to the Middle East and Africa, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Hanoi on July 5. Potential but difficult to access Speaking at the seminar, Do Quoc Hung, Deputy Head of the Asia-Africa Market Department, … [Read more...] about Economic diplomacy helps promote Vietnamese agricultural products Middle East and Africa markets
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More Middle East, Africa trade urged
Viet Nam should have policies and more support for local businesses in trade activities with partners in the Middle East and Africa. Experts made the suggestion at a conference on foreign affairs with export activities of local agricultural and seafood products to the Middle East – Africa market held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ha Noi on July 5. At the conference, Do Quoc Hung, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Asia–Africa Market Department, said the Middle East –Africa market includes 70 countries with a population of over 1.6 billion, with great demand for the import of goods, especially agricultural and seafood products. The region has harsh natural conditions and is unable to produce agro and seafood products for domestic consumption. This is considered an important market for Vietnamese exporters. Hung said that among Vietnamese agricultural exports to the Middle East-Africa market, rice, a traditional commodity, would … [Read more...] about More Middle East, Africa trade urged
Seminar talks export of farm produce, seafood export to Middle East, Africa
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Foreign Ministry held a seminar in Hanoi on July 5 on external relations and the export of farm produce and aquatic products to the Middle East and Africa. Speaking at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam said Vietnam and countries in the Middle East and Africa share long-standing friendships that lay the foundations for all-round cooperation, especially in trade, industry, and investment. Nam emphasised the Middle East and Africa’s strong purchasing power with a total population of over 1 billion people. South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro said South Africa has a market-oriented agricultural economy, including food, cereals, animal husbandry, processed meat, and farm produce. The country imports agricultural products and food, mostly wheat, chicken meat, palm oil, soybeans, fish, and boneless seafood. However, Vietnam accounts for only over 1 percent of South … [Read more...] about Seminar talks export of farm produce, seafood export to Middle East, Africa
Six EU countries to take in stranded rescue ship migrants
Viet Nam News VALLETTA — Six EU countries have agreed to take in over 200 migrants stranded on a rescue ship off Malta’s coast, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, after days of bickering between member states over their fate. Each of the member states, which include France, Italy and Portugal, will take "a few dozen individuals" of the 233 migrants on board the Lifeline vessel, Macron said in Rome after talks with Pope Francis. However, Macron also criticised the German NGO running the ship for contravening "all the rules" by coming to the migrants’ rescue when the Libyan coastguard was already intervening. "We cannot permanently accept this situation," he said. "In the end we are playing into the hands of smugglers by reducing the risks of the journey." Macron’s comments came after Malta said it would only allow the migrants to land if fellow European Union countries took their quota. The vessel’s fate has hung in the balance since … [Read more...] about Six EU countries to take in stranded rescue ship migrants
HCM City to host VN-Middle East trade forum
A Viet Nam-UAE trade forum held in Ha Noi last year. — VNS Photo A Viet Nam-Middle East Trade Forum to be held in HCM City on May 11 is expected to help boost trade between the two sides. Organised by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MIG and RELAM-Dubai, the forum will see the UAE ambassador, the Vietnamese ambassador to the UAE, and leaders of HCM City, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, business groups and businesses in the two countries. The forum will introduce the business and investment environment in Việt Nam and the UAE and explore co-operation opportunities between businesses in various sectors, including investment, industry, agriculture, telecommunications, fisheries, construction, and building materials. Businesses will sign agreements at the forum. According to the organisers, the forum is a very important event amid Viet Nam’s plans to strengthen relations with Middle Eastern and African countries in 2016-25. — VNS … [Read more...] about HCM City to host VN-Middle East trade forum