Deputy Prime Minister Hai met First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Nasriddin Najimov and Deputy Foreign Minister Anvar Salikhbaev of Uzbekistan in Hanoi, Vietnamese media reported.

Hoang Trung Hai welcomed the Uzbekistani delegation’s attendance at the fourth session of the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Co-operation.

The two sides will promote in-depth co-operation in oil, gas and mining industries, textile and garment, silk and leather processing, based on the newly-reached agreement, said the Vietnamese official.

Mr Najimov informed the host of the results of the fourth session, adding both sides noted bilateral economic and trade co-operation remains modest and fails to meet the two countries’ potential and desires.

Both sides have agreed to increase trade promotion activities and facilitate business co-operation, said Najimov.

Deputy Minister Anvar Salikhbaev said he admired Vietnam’s socio-economic development over the past decade and Vietnam’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2010. He said he hoped his country, via Vietnam, could access markets of other ASEAN countries.

At the fourth session, Uzbekistan agreed to provide cotton products, chemical fertilizers and liquified gas to Vietnam on a long-term and stable basis while Vietnam will provide agro-forestry and fisheries and civil light industry products to Uzbekistan.

Vietnam and Uzbekistan also reached unanimous agreement on improving co-operation in oil, gas and mining industries, textile and garment, silk and leather processing for domestic consumption and exporting to other countries.

While in Vietnam from 26-28 July, Deputy Foreign Minister Anvar Salikhbaev had a political consultation with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son.

The two deputy FMs discussed ways to accelerate co-ordination at international and regional forums and promote bilateral ties in trade, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism and culture.

Deputy Minister Anvar Salikhbaev affirmed that his country sees its relationship with Vietnam as very important and wants further development of the two countries’ traditional friendship and closer co-operation between the two foreign ministries.