Trade between Vietnam and Hong Kong has increased strongly in recent years.It was worth 16.3 billion dollars last year, a year-on-year increase of 16.7 per cent, with Vietnam’s exports accounting for 6.5 billion dollars. Its main export items were electronic and telecom equipment and parts; garments and textiles; footwear; seafood; rice; timber and timber products; and electrical cables.

Vietnam currently is Hong Kong’s ninth largest trading partner. As one of the leading trade and financial centers of the world, Hong Kong is a potential business partner that could also help Vietnamese companies link up with their global counterparts.

Food products, including seafood and vegetables, sell very well in Hong Kong. The island every year imports food worth 20 billion dollars, so a country like Vietnam has opportunities here.

Another opportunity for Vietnam is handicrafts and house ware.

For people in Hong Kong price is just one consideration. Quality is the most important, especially in food.

A delegation of garment and textile firms from Vietnam will visit an upcoming garment and textile fair in Hong Kong to market their products and connect with foreign businesses.

Hong Kong and Asean are negotiating for a free trade agreement, expected to be concluded by the end of this year, which promises to boost trade and investment between the two.