Vietnam Attaches Importance to Vietnam-China Trade Relation:Minister

Vietnam always attaches importance to Vietnam-China trade relation, and hopes to further develop the trade relation between the two countries, said Vietnamese Trade Minister Vu Khoan.

Khoan made the remarks here while giving an interview to Xinhua on Wednesday.

The trade relation between the two countries has been smoothly developing, Khoan said, adding that the bilateral trade turnover reached two billion U.S. dollars in 2000.

However, he said, the bilateral trade turnover does not match the potential of the two countries.

To carry out the principle guiding the development of bilateral relationship in the 21st century, namely "long term stability, orientation towards the future, good-neighborliness and friendship and all round cooperation" set by leaders of the two countries, Khoan stressed, Vietnam hopes to further develop bilateral trade relation with China, increasing the annual two-way trade turnover to three billion U.S. dollars, or even four billion U.S. dollars.

In order to reach the target, Vietnam hopes China will import more Vietnamese staples, namely crude oil, coal, rubber and aquaculture products, the Vietnamese trade minister claimed.

Khoan said that the border trade played an important role in Vietnam-China trade relation and has great potential. Therefore, it should be further promoted.

Khoan also noted that the two countries' tourism exchange, which has significantly increased, needs to further develop.

The trade potential between Vietnam and China is great, Khoan stressed, adding that with join efforts of the two countries, the trade relation will further develop, benefiting both countries.






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