The trade between Belarus and Vietnam might reach $1 billion in the near future

         The trade between Belarus and Vietnam might reach $1 billion in the near future, Deputy Trade Minister of Belarus Edvard Matulis told a press conference dedicated to the establishment of the trading house Belarus-Vietnam in Hanoi.
“Vietnam is Belarus’ traditional trading partner in the Asian region. Over the last five years the bilateral trade expanded 4.3 times to reach $211.9 million in 2011. The figure is not big. I think we will be able to increase the trade up to $1 billion in the nearest future,” the Deputy Trade Minister said. He believes it is quite a feasible task. Belarus’ export soared four times over the five years and made up $164.3 million in 2011. 
        Edvard Matulis informed that the visit of Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich to Vietnam at the end of 2011 gave an impetus to the establishment of the joint trading house. Two big Belarus-Vietnam business forums were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh during the visit. Many contracts and memorandums were concluded back then. The contracts were estimated at about $275 million and dealt with joint projects in the manufacturing industry and mining. After the visit the Premier ordered to set up a trading enterprise to promote the bilateral economic relations.