Viet Nam, Hong Kong should improve effectiveness of cooperation in key areas

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang made the above statement during his talks with Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lee Ka-chiu who is paying a working visit to Viet Nam from July 31-August 2.

Tran welcomed Lee Ka-chiu's first official visit to Viet Nam, expressing his belief that the visit will be an important milestone, making a practical contribution to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between Viet Nam and the special administrative region.

The Vietnamese Government always supports and encourages its localities, ministries and agencies to deepen friendly exchanges and comprehensive cooperation with Hong Kong, he affirmed.

He proposed the two sides increase delegation exchanges, welcoming Hong Kong corporations and businesses to actively participate in the Vietnamese market and implement high-quality investment projects and increase imports of Viet Nam's advantageous items.

The host recommended Hong Kong continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to study and work in the region as well as increase scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Both sides should foster coordination at multilateral mechanisms and forums, noted the Deputy Prime Minister, calling on Hong Kong to support Viet Nam to host the APEC 2027.

For his part, Lee Ka-chiu reiterated that Hong Kong places importance on the win-win cooperation with Viet Nam, stands ready to step up cooperation in a more intensive and effective manner to bring practical benefits for their peoples and businesses.

He suggested the two sides maintain high-level exchanges and contacts and welcomed Viet Nam to attend the 9th edition of the Belt and Road Summit in the region.

The two sides should bolster stronger ties in the fields of finance, trade, investment in transportation services, digital economy, green economy, science and technology while enhancing people-to-people links, tourism, education and training activities, he recommended.

Viet Nam is currently Hong Kong's second largest trading partner in ASEAN and Hong Kong's 7th largest trading partner globally. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is Viet Nam's 7th largest trading partner and 5th biggest investor.

Following the talks, both Tran and Lee witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents in such areas as finance, trade, investment and aviation./.