Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue meets with Vietnamese and Nigerian businesses in Nigeria during his visit from October 29-31, 2019. (Photo: VNA)

During talks on Wednesday with Nigerian Vice President Yeni Osinbajo, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue said Vietnam wants to increase trade with Nigeria of cashew nuts, rice, aquatic products, footwear, and textiles. Vice President Osinbajo affirmed Nigeria’s will to support Vietnam in expanding relations with members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), and asked Vietnam to help Nigeria connect with other ASEAN nations.

At the Vietnam-Nigeria trade-investment seminar, Mr. Hue called Nigeria Vietnam’s biggest trade partner in Africa, with whom bilateral trade has reached 460 million USD. The two countries have a great potential for future cooperation. He said: “Vietnam has sent only one high-ranking delegation to Nigeria since 1976, so I think the two countries should have more frequent exchanges in the future. I believe businesses will work to realize the determination and desire of our leaders to expand economic and investment ties.”

Deputy Prime Minister Hue said Vietnam is considering opening direct air route to Nigeria from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.