Vietnam has signed a free trade agreement with Japan, which will be a blessing for Vietnamese exporters who are in trouble.

The agreement will provide opportunities for the two countries to expand bilateral trade.

With the reduction of tariffs, Vietnam's textile and garment trade with Japan will expand.

Of Vietnam's 9111 products, 7264 products will enjoy zero tariff treatment.

Japan is one of the three largest markets for textile and garment exports in Vietnam.

After the two countries have completed some necessary procedures, the free trade agreement between the two countries will come into force in early 2009.

The two countries began negotiations on a free trade agreement in January 2007.

In 2007, Vietnam exported to Japan $6 billion 140 million, equivalent to US $6 billion 120 million from Japan.

After signing the free trade agreement, bilateral trade in the next few years is expected to reach a fairly high figure.