Shanghai (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc joined heads ofState and Government of 18 countries at the opening ceremony of the first ChinaInternational Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai on November 5.

Addressing the event, PM Phuc said that the world economy hasmaintained a growth trend and the fourth industrial revolution is spreading toeach nation, enterprise and person, thus opening up cooperation opportunitiesbut also bringing new challenges.

Trade disputes continue developing complicatedly, requiringparties to conduct dialogue, intensify trust, abide by international law, andboost cooperation on an equal footing, he noted.

He affirmed Vietnam appreciates China's organising the 2018CIIE which reflects the country’s thinking of mutual benefit and win-wincooperation, fostering economic and trade collaboration and creating a strongmotivation for economic growth of the region and the globe.

In the current context of globalisation, a single nationcannot develop by its own without opening up its doors, integrating andconnecting with each other, the Vietnamese government leader affirmed.

As a close and friendly neighbor of China, Vietnam alwaysattaches importance to its solidarity and cooperation with China, and wants towork with the country to boost sustainable and win-win economic and trade economicdevelopment, Phuc said.

He reiterated Vietnam’s support for an open, fair,transparent, inclusive and rule-based multilateral trading system with theWorld Trade Organisation as the foundation, as well as its commitments tocreating a favourable business environment and contributing to peace,stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese Government leader took the occasion to briefparticipants on Vietnam’s socio-economic and international integrationachievements, and confirmed that the country always welcomes foreignenterprises.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the CIIE demonstratesChina’s backing of trade liberalisation and market opening. He affirmed that throughthe organisation of the expo, China is willing to join hands with other nationsto build a new forum for economic and trade cooperation, protect the multilateraltrading system and promote more open and inclusive development of the worldeconomy.

CIIE is one of the four biggest external events of China in2018 with the participation of over 3,000 enterprises from 130 nations andterritories.

Taking part in the expo as a “guest of honour”, Vietnamholds a national stall, showcasing outstanding products of 25 prestigiousenterprises operating in the fields of agricultural products, seafood,processed food and trade services.

Within the framework of the event, Vietnamese enterprisesare expected to hold seminars and exchanges with partners from China and otherparticipating nations and territories to expand cooperation opportunities.-VNA