The decision was made after Vietnamese Trade Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen sent a letter to Canadian Trade Minister Jim Peterson, asking for Canada 's support for Viet Nam 's bid to join the World Trade Organisation and for the abolition of textiles and garment quotas for Viet Nam .

The Canadian Government will create favourable conditions for Vietnamese textiles and garment products to compete on a level playing field with 148 other WTO members.

The two leaders are in Chile for the 12th summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Nov. 20 and 21.

The Canadian PM expressed his deep impression of Viet Nam development. He said that the Canadian Government has attached importance to promoting relations with Viet Nam , especially in investment and trade.

Two-way trade value reached 330 million USD in 2003 and Canada has maintained its ODA to Viet Nam , Paul Martin said.

For his part, President Luong highly valued the efficiency of Canada-funded projects and its investment in Viet Nam , particularly in poverty reduction, environmental protection, and judicial reform. He said he hoped that Paul Martin's government will continue to grant aid to and encourage Canadian businesses to invest, in Viet Nam.-Enditem