Looking to 'open the gates of Asia,' Israeli economy minister visits Vietnam
Visit coincides with 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Jewish state
Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat traveled to Vietnam on an official visit this week, following its recent recent free trade agreement with Vietnam. His trip coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the communist country and the Jewish state.
Barkat was accompanied by a delegation of 21 Israeli companies looking to strengthen the economic ties between Israel and Vietnam. They visited a technology park and inaugurated an Israeli-owned medical center.
In addition, Barkat and his delegation attended the Israel-Vietnam Business Forum and met with the Communist Party chair Phan Van Mai of Ho Chi Minh City.
Barkat said the visit was important and would “open the gates of Asia” to the Jewish state.
“This is an important and historic visit that opens the gates of Asia to the State of Israel and will strengthen our ties in the region. The importance of Asia as an export market for Israel is increasing over the years,” Barkat said.
He also noted that Vietnam has the capacity for economic growth.
“Vietnam consistently demonstrates a capacity for economic growth along with entrepreneurship and local growth capacity that will grow even more as a result of the free trade agreement we recently signed thanks to collaborations with Israeli companies,” Barkat stated.
The economy minister said the trip, in addition to an upcoming visit to Singapore, presents “a beneficial opportunity to strengthen economic relations within the area.”
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
