Vietnamese companies need to further promote their products, especially online, if they wish to sell in foreign markets, a conference heard in HCM City yesterday.

Workers process shrimp for export at Fimex Vietnam Co. The Internet was the best way for Vietnamese firms to boost business in foreign markets, speakers said.

Speaking at the conference to promote trade and business with Japan, an official from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in HCM City said: "Japan will remain an important partner for Vietnam in future. Expanding business with Japanese partners is necessary."

Yuji Yamauchi, president of Alaki Company Ltd, said working with many Vietnamese companies has shown that the internet was the best way to boost business.

Besides studying Japanese companies, Vietnamese companies should show how strong they are, and they have to do it online by uploading information about their products, quality, and service, he said.

If there are no advertisements, Japanese companies would know nothing about Vietnam, he said, adding Vietnamese businesses should be confident about their products and technologies.

Nishiyama Akira, director of BSO Investment Consultant Company, told the conference that Vietnamese companies should learn from the experience of Japanese companies and then add their own strengths.

He said that since his country lacks a young population it needs to co-operate with other countries including Vietnam.

"Creating trust and being in time are very important," he said.

He told the 100-odd Vietnamese business executives about the habits and needs of Japanese companies and the way they think and act.

Last year Vietnam's exports to Japan were worth US$13.7 billion.

The conference was organised by VCCI and attended by over 100 of companies.