The value of Vietnamese seafood, coffee, cashew nuts, footwear and textiles and garments exports to Israel likewise increased significantly last year.— VNA/VNS Photo Tran Viet

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Viet Nam and Israel aim to increase bilateral trade to US$2 billion by 2016, officials said at the first Intergovernmental Committee meeting of the two countries last Tuesday.

At the meeting, Vietnamese representatives said their country was encouraging Israeli companies to invest in industries where Israel has great potential, including agriculture, high technology, information technology and telecommunications.

The two sides also agreed to map out suitable policies early to create favourable conditions for their respective business communities to improve co-operation in the production and use of recycled power.

Israeli representatives also said their country would continue co-operating with Viet Nam in the implementation of the financial protocol.

At the meeting, Viet Nam also suggested that Israel make early comments on the draft of the co-operation agreement on customs between the two countries.

Trade between Viet Nam and Israel has steadily increased in past years. Figures from the General Department of Customs show that bilateral trade between the two countries reached $605.24 million last year, a 38.15-per cent year-on-year increase. Of these, an estimated $400.61 million came from Vietnamese exports.

Mobile phones and components were Viet Nam's key export to Israel, reaching $200 million last year, a 107-per cent year-on-year increase.

The value of Vietnamese seafood, coffee, cashew nuts, footwear and textiles and garments exports to Israel likewise increased significantly last year.

Israel ranked 62nd among 101 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam last year, with 16 projects worth $20.65 million. — VNS