A free trade agreement signed last week between Vietnam and Japan has been seen as a ray of light by many Vietnamese exporters who have been struggling as a result of the global economic crisis.

According to Phan Rue, head of the Vietnamese delegation that attended the signing, the agreement will offer both countries opportunities to increase bilateral trade.

It is also hoped it will specifically increase opportunities for the textile and garment industry as Japan is the third largest importer of Vietnamese textiles and apparel.

Vietnam is expected to be granted duty-free access for 7,264 of the 9,111 products it currently ships to Japan.

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