Many events in 2016 to develop Vietnam-Italy ties

(AGI) Hanoi, Feb. 25 - The Italian Embassy in Vietnam will organise a number of economic and cultural events in 2016 to consolidate relations between Italy and Vietnam. The Asian country in 2015 became Italy's most important trade partner of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), ambassador Cecilia Piccioni told a press conference held in Hanoi with the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. Italian direct investments in Vietnam increased significantly in recent years, reaching record levels. "We hope that more and more Italian companies will make full use of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement to expand their business in Vietnam, and use the country as a springboard into the ASEAN region," said the ambassador. Mrs. Piccioni mentioned her recent visit to the northern province of Vinh Phuc with Italian two-wheeled motor vehicle maker Piaggio, one of the pioneers in Vietnam investment, and a delegation of entrepreneurs. In March, more missions will follow to Hue and Danang to seek further opportunities for economic, cultural and educational cooperation. Several cultural initiatives have been scheduled this year, ranging from a concert by soprano Angela Nisi with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra on Saturday and Sunday and events organised by the Italy-Vietnam Fashion Council, to the Week of Italian Language in October and the Italian Film Festival in November. (AGI) . .