(VOVworld) – Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said businesses of Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates play an important role in boosting bilateral ties.

UAE, one of 10 major export markets of Vietnam

Phuc made the statement at a Vietnam-UAE Business Forum in Abu Dhabi on Monday during his visit to the UAE. He expressed his hope that through the event enterprises of both countries will have more opportunities in investment and trading cooperation.

Vietnamese businesses participate in 2014 SIAL Middle East in Abu Dhabi

The same day at the Vietnam-UAE Gala Dinner, Phuc said the UAE is one of Vietnam’s major economic and trading partners in the Middle East and North Africa, with last year’s two-way trade turnover reaching 4.46 billion USD. Many of UAE’s leading groups, including DP World, IPIC, and Emirates Investment Gate, attach great importance to investing in Vietnam. Phuc expressed his belief that via the forum and Vietnamese Days in the UAE, the two business communities will learn more about each other’s markets.

During Phuc’s visit, he visited the Vietnamese Embassy and talked with the UAE’s Vietnamese community.