Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai voiced his hope for stronger ties between the Chinese city and Vietnamese localities during a meeting with Mayor of Shanghai Gong Zheng on October 9.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Sao Mai (L) hosts Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng
  (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in China)

The Vietnamese diplomat congratulated Shanghai on its tremendous achievements in socio-economic development, especially in the COVID-19 containment and economic recovery, stressing that the Vietnamese Party, Government and people place great importance on the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with the Chinese Party, Government and people.

He also showed his elation at the unceasingly growing friendship and win-win cooperation between Vietnamese localities and Shanghai, saying he expects stronger mutually beneficial connections between the two sides.

He asked the Shanghai administration to offer continued optimal conditions for Vietnamese citizens, especially students, to reside and learn in the city, as well as for businesses of Vietnam to implement investment and trade promotion activities.

The ambassador also suggested Shanghai enterprises import more goods from Vietnam and invited local firms to boost investment in Vietnam in the fields matching their strength and the Southeast Asian nation’s demand, particularly projects applying advanced and environmentally friendly technologies.

Mayor Gong Zheng also noted with satisfaction the upward trend of China-Vietnam relations, adding that his city is keen to promote the friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnamese localities, including Ho Chi Minh City.

There remains huge potential and room for the cooperation between Shanghai and localities of Vietnam, he told his host while assuring the readiness to create the best possible conditions for more Vietnamese firms to invest and do business in Shanghai.

The official also invited Vietnam to participate in the third China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in early November and HCM City to join in the 10th China Flower Expo, set to transpire for May 2021 in this city. The invitation to visit Vietnam was accepted at an appropriate time.

Shanghai is one of the leaders in economic development in China and destined to become an international centre in terms of economy, trade, finance, transport and science-technology.

Trade between Shanghai and Vietnam  hit US$13.2 billion in 2019, representing a year-on year rise of 39.3%, and US$7.5 billion in the first half of 2020, up 44.7% on year.