Ca Mau (VNA) – A networking conference was held in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau on April 24, in a bid to connect 54 local enterprises, mostly operating in the seafood sector, to their Chinese peers.

In his remarks, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Huynh Quoc Viet said this event marks the beginning of a new phase in the cooperative relationship between the province and Chinese localities. He expressed his belief that it will lead to the signing of contracts and implementation of many programmes.

Wei Huaxiang, Consul General of China in Ho Chi Minh City, considered the meeting a practical activity to carry out common perceptions between the two Parties and countries, tightening their cooperation and friendship.

He cited incomplete statistics that about 500 Chinese firms and customers annually place orders to purchase shrimp, crabs, and other seafood products from Ca Mau. Therefore, in the future, the sides’ business communities should learn about each other's customs and cultures, serving long-term and practical partnerships and creating mutual benefits.

He pledged the Chinese Consulate General in HCM City’s willingness to act as a bridge facilitating their connection and trade.

On the sidelines, Ca Mau firms showcased their fisheries products and specialties recognised under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme.

In 2023, trade between Ca Mau and China reached 97 million USD, accounting for a very modest proportion of the overall Vietnam-China trade./.