Many Asian countries including Vietnam face electricity supply difficulties – with economic growth meaning increased consumption. The demand for power is something Pyotr Shchedrovsky, Deputy Director General at Rosatom, says is opening up a market for Russian companies.

"Currently Vietnam buys expensive energy in China. Building nuclear plants is an option to consider. Russian technological expertise is well-known and we are here to offer our skills. We are now planning to take part in a tender to build four power facilities here."

To support trade between Hanoi and Moscow a joint bank was set up. Aleksandr Titov, Chairman of the Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank says demand for its services is growing.

"We have increased our client-base two-fold. We are going to open a new subsidiary in Russia next year."

Having lost its strong position in Vietnam since Soviet times, Russia now seems eager to re-establish itself as a reliable partner with plenty to offer. Exhibitors in Hanoi include producers of pharmaceuticals, trucks, state-of-the-art aeroplanes, banking and education.

All part of the new Russian drive to return to the Vietnamese market as Russia seeks to move away from commodity exports.