A host of business executives met a workshop in Mexico on December 6to seek opportunities in emerging global economies, including Vietnam.

In his opening remarks, Manuel Sandoval, ProMexicoExecutive Director in charge of export projects, said he hopes thatMexican firms will be able to seek new pathways for their businesses inVietnam.

Deputy Director of the Vietnamese Ministry ofIndustry and Trade’s Department of the American Market, Nguyen HongDuong, informed delegates that Vietnam-Mexico trade has topped 1.2billion USD in recent years.

Last year, Vietnam produced44 million tonnes of rice – a key hard-currency earner, generating over3.7 billion USD from exports. The country is now the second biggest riceexporter in the global rankings.

Mexican Rice Council(CMA) General Director Ricardo Mendoza Mondragon said Mexico has toimport 90 percent of rice for domestic consumption, 75 percent of whichis unhusked rice bought from the US.

He expressed hope to import rice from Vietnam or then produce the grains in the country if possible.

Duong answered questions regarding rice cultivation, harvest andpreservation in Vietnam, including technological advances and insectcontrol.

The Vietnamese delegation led by Duong also heldworking sessions with representatives of ProMexico and the NationalService of Health, Food Safety and Quality Senasica. They visitedseveral cultural and historic sites in Mexico ’s capital city.-VNA