Vietnam Expo has attracted 468 companies from 20 countries and territories including Switzerland, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Romania, who are displaying their products in 500 stalls. — VNA/VNS Photo My Phuong

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The 2015 Vietnam Expo and Vietnam Cycle that opened yesterday in HCM City seek to promote the country's trade and investment.

"The expos bring together investors and producers in and from outside Viet Nam operating in the industries of machinery and equipment, agricultural produce, food processing, construction, electrical-electronics, IT and others, and open up opportunities for trade and investment co-operation and enlarging markets," Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa told the opening ceremony.

Vietnam Expo has attracted 468 companies from 20 countries and territories including Switzerland, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Romania, who are displaying their products in 500 stalls.

Taiwan Excellence is a large pavilion displaying 70 products certified as being of the highest quality in Taiwan.

Tang Ming Hui, director of the HCM City office of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, said Viet Nam is Taiwan's 10th largest trade partner and one of its 15 key markets.

Cho Chun Yong, chairman of the Bucheon City Chamber of Commerce, said a wish to help boost trade with Viet Nam was the reason for taking part in the expo. Bucheon is strong in automation equipment for packaging and home appliances.

More than 70 businesses from various parts of Korea are attending the expo.

Korea is Viet Nam's second largest investor with a combined investment of US$36.7 billion so far.

The deputy minister also welcomes the 2015 Vietnam Cycle, saying it is in line with the country's policy to boost the use of bicycles for environmental conservation.

Around 120 companies from 20 countries and territories, including Taiwan, Japan, and India, are exhibiting their products and components at 150 stalls, which include brands like Thong Nhat, Terra, Strongman, Schwalbe, Asama and Deli Tire.

The expos, on at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Nguyen Van Linh Avenue and organised by Vinexad, will go on until Saturday this week. — VNS