Vietnamese exports to Canada up by 17 percent annually

Hanoi, October 20 (VNA) - The volume of Vietnamese products exported to Canada increased by 17 percent per annum, announced Zaki Munshi, Asia Project Manager at the Trade Facilitation Office Canada (FTO Canada), at a conference on October 16. The event was jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh City branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and TFO Canada. Munshi said two-way trade has significantly increased in recent years, with wooden furniture, footwear and cashew nut holding a firm stand in the Canadian market. According to VCCI, Vietnam’s export turnover to Canada reached 1.31 billion USD in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 40.99 percent compared to the same period last year. Its major exports included garments, seafood, footwear and handicrafts. VCCI-HCMC Director Vo Tan Thanh said Canada shared many similarities with the US market, and is a potential market for Vietnamese commodities. Canadian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Wayne Robson stated that Vietnam is amongst the 25 countries to benefit from support programmes for accessing the Canadian market, adding that it is also one of six key target countries prioritised in Canada’s education cooperation.-VNA