(VOVworld) - Vietnam wants to strengthen economic relations with member states of the Francophone community and create favorable conditions for Francophone businesses to operate efficiently. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh made the commitment at a Wednesday forum in HCM City where delegates discussed solutions to difficulties in trade and investment cooperation between French-speaking countries in western and central Africa and ASEAN nations.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh addressed the forum

Ninh hailed progress in trade ties between ASEAN and Africa with the Francophone community, noting that two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and African nations was increasing by up to 4% annually and is expected to rise in the future. Ninh added that Vietnam and Africa have many advantages and potentials and both could complement each other. For example, Africa has advantages in cashew nuts and wood while Vietnam is strong in rice, garment, and textile products.