Sameer Nazir
KARACHI: The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Vietnam may cross the figure of $500 million in the year 2015, as per a project ed growyh of about 20 to 25 per cent, this was stated by the Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam in Karachi, Mr Vu Viet Dung. Talking to a group of newsmen on the sideline of a trade exhibition held recently, he said that Vietnam is keen to boost trade with Pakistan and both the trading partners’ volume is growing at the rate of 20 per cent which is prevailing at $400 million at present. He however said that the existing volume of trade is not at all satisfactory as Pakistan has only $180 milllion’s share of Vietnam’s total imports. He said that similaly Vietnam has not much from Pakistan’s imports around $50 billion. He said that Vietnam is exporting gren tea worth of $60 million, blackpepper $40 million, flsh $12 million polyester fabrics $30 million, etc. to Pakistan while importing denim, raw cotton, cotton yarn, leather and pharmaceticals, etc. from Pakistan. He said that Vietnam organises hundreds of fairs and exhibitions every year and Vietnam Expo is the largest trade exhibition organized twice a year in Hanoi and Hochiminh City. This year, the mega event would be held in April and he invited Pakistani exhibitors to participate in this event for explorong Vietnam as as well regional Asian markets. He said that Vietnam or Pakistan’s national carriers have no direct link with each other however, Thai Air is providing excellent service on Karachi hanoi route and offering attractive fares so that there is no need to initiate direct flights between the two countries at this particualr moment. He said that Vietnam’s CC offic is working for promoting bilateral trade between the two countries and for this purpose he is maintaining strong contacts with the importers and exporters in Karachi. He said that Vietnam is liekly to participate in Expo Pakistan 2015 being held in Karachi next month.
Pak-Vietnam bilateral trade to increase by 20% – Vu
