(VOVworld) – 2013 trade counselor conference opened on Wednesday in Hanoi by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang spoke at 2013 Trade Counselor Conference (Photo: thanhtra.com.vn)

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said the government recognizes the efforts and contributions of industry and trade sectors, ambassadors and trade counselors in fueling national economic development. He also remarked that as Vietnam faces economic difficulties domestically and abroad, Ministry of Industry and Trade in general and trade counselors in particular need to take concrete measures to further promote foreign markets. This is considered one way to solve domestic economic difficulties, according to  Mr. Dam: "We now have 55 trade counselors in foreign countries with 122 staffs. Trade counselors must be policy consultants for the Government especially for the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It’s necessary for domestic ministries, sectors and localities to work closely together. I hope that industry and trade sector and trade counselors will do their work effectively, helping spread the message that Vietnam is determined to move forward". 

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s export turnover in 2013 reached more than 130 billion USD, an increase of 15 percent compared to last year. The targeted export turnover has been reached in most markets including United Arab Emirates, EU, the US and Brazil.