(VOVworld) – A seminar on boosting trade and investment in Africa and the Middle East opened in Hanoi on Tuesday. Deputy Head of the Africa, East Asia and South Asia Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Le Thai Hoa said Africa and the Middle East have both potential and risks for Vietnam’s exports. He said that Vietnam’s major export items to this market included food, agricultural products, seafood, and consumer goods. Vietnam earned 4.2 billion USD from this market in 2012, up 65% from the previous year. Trade representative offices said they will help to introduce Vietnamese goods abroad and serve as a bridge for Vietnamese businesses to seek potential partners in this market. The Ministry of Industry and Trade asked business associations to work with the relevant agencies to support Vietnamese businesses in increasing competitiveness and settling trade disputes.