Trade ties between Vietnam and Portugal have recorded rapid growth, but are yet to match the potential of the two countries, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Uong Chu Luu has said. Speaking to Porto mayor, Rui Moreira in the city on June 27, Vice Chairman Luu stressed that the two countries had many similarities, including the fact that both were coastal countries, and expressed his joy at the fine development in Vietnam-Portugal relations. He also proposed that Portuguese companies invest in Vietnam in the fields of oil and gas, and shipbuilding. Informing his guest of the ongoing tension in the East Sea and Vietnam’s stance in safeguarding its sovereignty, Vice Chairman Luu expressed hope for further support from other countries, including Portugal and other members of the European Union. For his part, Mayor Moreira said Portuguese people knew about Vietnam through their visits to and imports from the country, and affirmed that imports from Vietnam were increasing quickly, although the European country is struggling to weather global economic crises. The Portuguese government hoped to further increase exports to Vietnam with the goal of turning the country into Portugal’s reliable trade partner, he stressed.                                                                                                                                                             Nhan Dan/VNA