(VOVworld) – Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh co-chaired the Vietnam-Italy’s Strategic Dialogue which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. In his address, President Mattarella said many cooperative opportunities await both countries’ business communities in their international economic integration. He called on both sides to share experiences for development as the two businesses circles share many similarities regarding the model of small and medium-sized enterprises and globalization challenges. He noted that successful Italian businesses in Vietnam represent the two countries’ friendship and cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh speaks at the event

Vietnam – Italy’s political ties are growing strongly since bilateral diplomatic ties were established 42 years ago. Vietnam and Italy signed a joint statement on establishing bilateral strategic partnership on January 21^st, 2013. During talks with Vietnamese leaders during his on-going visit to Vietnam, President Mattarella pledged to boost Italy-Vietnam’s multifaceted cooperation.