China top trade partner of Vietnam: Vietnamese official

HANOI -- A Vietnamese official described China as a top partner of Vietnam with two-way trade of over $66 billion in 2015 during an event held in Vietnam's capital Hanoi on Monday.

Speaking at a business forum between Vietnamese and China's Guangxi business, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) said Vietnam exported more than $17 billion worth of goods to China, mainly electronic spare parts, agricultural and seafood products, as well as coal among others in 2015, according to Vietnamese statistics.

Meanwhile, the country imported machinery and equipment from China, Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA cited Khuong as saying.

Currently, China is running over 1,300 projects in Vietnam with total capital of over $10 billion, Khuong said, adding that the investment is forecast to surge in the near future.

Vice Chairwoman of Guangxi's Trade Promotion Association Zhou Ling said the close geographical distance facilitates bilateral transport activities and cooperation in the spirit of making the best use of their strengths and potential.

Vietnam is expected to serve as an entrepot for China and Guangxi in particular to boost trade with the ASEAN business community, she said.

During the forum, Chinese businesses expressed their wish to seek investment opportunities and partners in the fields of hotel, food processing, health equipment, and agriculture.