Hanoi, Hong Kong step up cooperation

Hanoi will prioritize cooperation with China’s Hong Kong in the fields of trade, investment, culture, tourism and infrastructure building.

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung made the statement at a working session with Chief Secretary for Administration of the special administrative region Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet - ngor, on September 15.

He suggested Hong Kong share experience in urban management, development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and high-quality human resources training.

Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung (R) meeting with Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong special administrative region Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet - ngor

Hanoi also hopes to increase exchanges and partnership with Hong Kong businesses, he said, adding that the city is taking drastic measures to improve administrative procedures and the investment environment to attract foreign investors into infrastructure development, urban railway, tourism and social welfares.

He added that Hanoi is an attractive destination for overseas firms to explore win-win investment and cooperation opportunities.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said Vietnam is currently the third biggest trade partner of Hong Kong among ASEAN member countries.

She highlighted Hanoi as a big city in the world with rich history and culture, saying there is plenty of room for the two sides to cooperate in trade, investment, culture, tourism and infrastructure.

Hong Kong is willing to share experience with Hanoi in urban management, public transport, and the training of human resources, especially in fire fighting.

Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung described Hong Kong as an economic hub in the region and the world and a big economic partner of Vietnam.

He noted that Hong Kong companies are running 155 investment projects worth nearly USD 1.3 billion in Hanoi.

Two-way trade surpassed USD 1.5 billion in 2015, he cited.

Chung accompanied Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his official visit to China from September 10-15.