Rome (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy has organised a virtual New Year gathering with representatives from the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in Italy (ASSOEVI) to collect suggestions in a bid to strengthen the nations’ trade relations.

In her remarks at the January 15 event, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Bich Hue reviewed activities and contributions to their home country of the Vietnamese expatriates last year. The community took part in mobilising local authorities’ support in terms of COVID-19 vaccines, medicines and medical equipment for Vietnam; charity activities to help children in Vietnam; and the teaching of Vietnamese language in Italy. They also worked to assist Italian and Vietnamese enterprises.

The diplomat wished for further contributions to be made in the near future.

According to Hue, despite COVID-19, trade between Vietnam and Italy hit 5.6 billion USD in 2021 thanks to the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Vietnam’s key exports included aquatic products, farm produce, and handicrafts.

Pham Van Hong from the advisory council of ASSOEVI recommended the association improve the effectiveness of its operation to build a stronger foundation for future development.

Participants suggested ASSOEVI work more to connect Vietnamese and Italian firms via communications activities, legal procedure support, and the organisation of market surveys, among others.

Founded in June 2011, ASSOEVI groups most of Vietnamese enterprises in Italy, aiming to boost the capacity of its members, facilitate their information exchanges and cooperation, assist their investment and business activities, and promote Vietnam-Italy collaboration in trade and economy./.