More than 100 Vietnamese companies occupy 130 booths at the fair.—VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE (Biz Hub)— The Viet Nam-Laos Trade Fair 2013 (VietLaoExpo) commenced in the Lao capital city of Vientiane yesterday in a bid to realise the National Trade Promotion Programme 2013 and the cooperation agreement between the two ministries of industry and trade.

The 350-pavilion fair features products made by both sides' businesses, ranging from agro-forestry and aquatic products, processed food and drinks to garments, electronic and consumer products and wooden products.

More than 100 Vietnamese companies occupy 130 booths at the fair.

According to organisers, the five-day event serves as a bridge for Vietnamese and Lao trade organisations, producers and investors to boost experience sharing, technology transfer and investment cooperation.

It also offers an opportunity for Vietnamese firms to promote their brands, study the market and consumption demand, thus establishing distribution networks in Laos and northeastern Thailand.

Through the event, the two ministries will promptly put forth appropriate policies to facilitate cooperation between both sides' enterprises in an effort to bring two-way trade to US$2 billion by 2015 and $5 billion by 2020.—VNS