Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has expressed his desire for stronger cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore during a reception for outgoing Singaporean ambassador Catherine Wong Siow Ping in Hanoi on Dec. 24.

Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh (R) receives outgoing Singaporean
ambassador Catherine Wong Siow Ping in Hanoi on Dec. 24. (Photo: VGP)

Binh spoke highly of the fine development of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore over the years, noting bilateral relations have flourished in various areas, from politics and diplomacy to economics, culture, and education-training.

Economic cooperation is a bright spot in bilateral relations, he said, adding Singapore is now one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam. The system of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) industrial parks has been increasingly expanded and it has brought about good results.

He thanked the ambassador for her practical contributions to outlining, carrying out and connecting cooperation activities between Vietnam and Singapore in all fields.

Vietnam always attaches great importance to and will do its best together with Singapore to bring bilateral cooperation to new heights, Binh told his guest.

For her part, Ambassador Catherine Wong Siow Ping said she was impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements as well as its increasing role and position in the international arena.

She said she believes that both Singapore and Vietnam still hold potential for closer cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Singaporean businesses are keen to promote investment cooperation in Vietnam, stated the diplomat.

She proposed that the Government of Vietnam create favourable conditions for Singaporean businesses to expand operations in the country.