Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Mr. Abdul Hakim Alkhaldi, Chairman of the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the efforts of the Vietnamese Embassy and businesses with samples in the context of the complex development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. This was also an opportunity for Saudi Arabian businesses to learn about Vietnamese goods, thereby connecting to seek cooperation opportunities.
At the opening ceremony (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
Vietnamese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Vu Viet Dung stated that this event was part of the embassy's chain of economic diplomacy activities. Commodities introduced at the event included agricultural products, processed foods, handicrafts, construction materials, furniture, frankincense, charcoal and tourism publications, and are products of typical Vietnamese companies, which have a desire to seek export markets and supplement the supply in the local market.
The Ambassador also wanted to receive reviews and feedback from local businesses and customers so that he can inform Vietnamese businesses and then they can make appropriate adjustments for the Saudi Arabian market.
The event attracted many local businesses. Many products were evaluated to have beautiful and diverse designs, suitable with the market in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern province, which has little farming and agricultural production, due to the desert climate.
There was a significant number of customers interested in agricultural products, rice (instant noodles, rice noodles, rice flour), cashews, pepper, spices, coffee, frankincense, honey, marble, interior decoration, construction; charcoal; and others are interested in travel agents and travel services of Vietnam.
At the event, Ambassador Dung introduced a soft book "Introductory Products for Export from Vietnam" compiled by the Embassy, including full information of nearly 120 Vietnamese enterprises with samples for display and promotion at the Embassy. At the same time, he also suggested the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce circulate it for member enterprises and other businesses in the province for reference and use.
Mr. Dung encouraged local businesses to directly contact businesses with products they are interested in buying, recommending the book to interested friends. He affirmed that the Embassy is ready to support the connection to find Vietnamese partners, if local businesses are interested in certain products that are not listed in the book.
The Ambassador also invited businesses in the region to visit the showroom of Vietnam's export products located at the Embassy to learn more about export products when they have an opportunity to work in the capital Riyadh.
Visitors at the event also had the opportunity to enjoy coffee and tea, which were among the products on display.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the week to promote Vietnam's export products in Dammam city is a practical activity to support Vietnamese businesses to seek ways to access the Saudi Arabian market.
Also in 2021, the Embassy introduced export products in the provinces of Qassim, Tabuk and Al Jouf./.