(VOVworld) – A Vietnamese finance and banking delegation, led by Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu and Deputy Finance Minister Tran Xuan Ha, visited Italy to learn from Italy’s experience in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Vietnamese and Italian banking and financial sectors meet in Rome for experience sharing. (Photo: VNA)

At a meeting in Rome, Italian finance and banking officials shared their experience in supporting SMEs, including building a legal framework for banking operations and enhancing co-ordination between banks, enterprises, and state agencies. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between the two countries’ banking and financial sectors as part of realising the bilateral strategic partnership which was signed in 2013.
On Monday, Ho Chi Minh City leaders welcomed former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta during his working visit to the city. Addressing the meeting, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said Ho Chi Minh City welcomes Italy’s support and co-operation in the fields of industry, science and technology, and education and training, saying that the city will create favourable conditions for Italian business investment.
A Vietnam cultural week opened Monday at the Italian national museum Il Vittoriano in Rome with an exhibition displaying prominent Vietnamese artefacts, including the Gong of the Central Highlands region, handmade brocade items, pottery, traditional clothes, and musical instruments. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director-General of the Department of International Co-operation of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said the Vietnam cultural week promotes Vietnam’s image in Italy as part of preparations for the world exposition in Milan in May. The cultural week includes a wide range of workshops and activities boosting co-operation between Vietnam and Italy in tourism, trade, and cinematography.