Hanoi (VNA) – A delegation from the VietnameseEmbassy in Venezuela, led by Ambassador Le Viet Duyen, paid a working visit to Monagasstate from July 9-12 to promote economic and trade ties, and potentialcooperation initiatives between the two countries.

Speaking at a meeting with the delegation, Governor of Monagas YelitzaSantaella briefed on the political, economic and cultural situation in the state,and highlighted its economic development potential in the spheres of oil, gas,Caribbean pine, large-scale husbandry and farming.

He expressed the wish that Vietnam will implement strategic investment projectsto exploit and develop potential fields available in Monagas.

For his part, the Vietnamese diplomat pledged to constantly strengthen the bilateralrelations in politics, diplomacy and culture, solidarity and long-standing and traditionalfriendship, and trade  between the twocountries.

Within the framework of the visit, the Vietnamese Embassy in coordination with the Venezuela - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce  (CAVENVIET) helda workshop to discuss measures to expand trade cooperation between the twonations.

Duyen updated participants on Vietnam's socio-economic developmentachievements after 35 years of Doi Moi (renewal), with its GDP hitting 343billion USD, becoming one of the world’s largest economies.

As one of the major production centres in theAsia-Pacific region and in the world, Vietnam is leading in exporting cashewnuts, pepper, and many other agricultural products, and the second biggestexporter of rice and coffee in the world, the diplomat said.

Vietnam is one of the world's leading manufacturing and exporting centres ofhi-tech and electronic products, smartphones, and wooden furniture, he said,adding that Venezuela in general and Monagas state in particular, can promoteexport of suitable timber to Vietnam.

Entrepreneurs and farm owners in Monagas said they want to strengthenconnections with Vietnamese businesses, especially in breeding dairy cows and beeves, large-scale farming and producing and processing wood, silicatecompound, and household glass.

Duyen underlined the need to promote information sharing and business opportunitiesbetween enterprises of the two nations.

The two sides agreed to promote the establishment of branches of CAVENVIET andthe Venezuela-Vietnam Friendship Association (CAVV) in Monagas to expand their activitiesin several key states of Venezuela, thus deepening connection between thepeople and businesses of the two countries.

Santaella pledged to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses tooperate and invest in potential fields in Monagas, especially in large-scaleagricultural production.

CAVENVIET President Oswaldo Hernandez also promised that CAVENVIET willcontinue to work as a bridge to help further expand partnerships between enterprisesof the two countries, contributing to the enhancement of bilateral economicties./.