Nearly 300 domestic and foreign enterprises are attending the 23rd Vietnam-China international trade fair that opened in northern Lao Cai province on November 10.

Lasting to November 15, the fair features 529 pavilions and 88 exhibition areas of enterprises from 50 Vietnamese cities and provinces, eight Chinese localities, and eight other countries.

This year’s fair is aimed at promoting the bridging role Lao Cai and Yunnan province in China play in comprehensive cooperation and sustainable development.

It introduces various kinds of products, including agro-forestry and fisheries, food, medicinal herbs, machinery and equipment, raw materials, chemicals, construction materials, electrical appliances, household appliances, consumer goods, furniture, and handicrafts.

Deputy Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Quoc Khanh said Lao Cai and Yunnan have continued to introduce initiatives to cooperate to boost socio-economic development in both sides over recent years.

With potential and advantages in industry, border economy, and tourism, as well as a favorable business and investment environment, Lao Cai has attracted many domestic and foreign enterprises, he said.

On the sidelines of the fair, businesses from the two countries held dialogues to exchange and introduce investment attraction mechanisms as well as policies and cooperative opportunities in imports and exports and logistics.

The annual trade fair is held alternatively by Lao Cai and Yunnan under an agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Yunnan authorities.