Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima started an official four-day visit to Vietnam on Monday. They will spend the first two days in the capital, Hanoi, and the last two days in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.

The purpose of the official visit is to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam. The southeast Asian country is an emerging market which offers ample opportunities for Dutch businesses. The Netherlands' Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Henk Bleker and Deputy Infrastructure Minister Joop Atsma are accompanying the royal couple. More than 80 Dutch businesses are taking part in the related trade mission to Vietnam.

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima will meet Vietnamese ministers and dignitaries, take part in seminars and visit  a number of local businesses. The first item on the agenda is a seminar called 'Doing Business in Vietnam', followed by a reception hosted by Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem.

(gsh/tf)

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