Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh on January 8 pledged to harness efforts and assist Hanoi in smart city development and foreign capital attraction, during a meeting with Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc.

Speaking at the meeting in Hanoi, Singh said Singapore would assist in training Hanoi officials through on-site programs and study visits, enabling them to gain practical experience in Singapore’s smart city policies and governance models.

He said Hanoi officials will study focused topics such as traffic management, digital government, public housing and smart airports and seaports. 

On investment promotion, Singh said Singapore remains Vietnam’s largest source of foreign direct investment.

He noted that Singaporean businesses want to expand investment and cooperation in Hanoi as the city enters a phase of accelerated development.

The Singapore government, Singh said, has directed that investment must deliver tangible value by creating jobs, introducing new technologies and supporting digital transformation in the city.

He expressed hope that Hanoi would designate a clear focal point to coordinate support and respond quickly to issues faced by Singaporean investors.

Smart city development and investment promotion stand out as two priority areas of cooperation between Hanoi and Singapore, the ambassador said.

Singh said he felt encouraged by Hanoi’s development strategy, which places science, technology and innovation at its core.

He added that Hanoi and Singapore share several challenges, including traffic congestion and food safety.

The ambassador reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to supporting Hanoi in turning its development plans into reality and expressed interest in identifying further areas for cooperation.

Singh also thanked the Hanoi Party Committee and the Hanoi Party Secretary for their sustained efforts and contributions to strengthening relations with Singapore.

He also highlighted positive momentum in Vietnam-Singapore relations, including the elevation of bilateral ties during the visit of Party General Secretary To Lam.

Singh praised the decisive leadership of the Hanoi Party Secretary in advancing development goals, saying it has helped many city projects move forward at a fast pace.

For his part, Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc spoke highly of Singapore’s development achievements.

He said Hanoi and Vietnam have signed numerous memoranda of understanding with Singapore, particularly in investment and education.

“These cooperation efforts have produced solid results and still hold significant potential,” the Hanoi Party Secretary said.

According to Ngoc, Hanoi is now at a development stage similar to one Singapore experienced in the past.

He suggested both sides identify cooperation models that can help Hanoi shorten and optimize its development path.

“Hanoi is ready to engage with Singapore on these issues,” Ngoc said.

He expressed confidence that the strong trust between the two countries will provide a firm foundation for expanding cooperation in mutually beneficial areas during the ambassador’s tenure.

"The cooperation between Hanoi and Singapore will become a highlight of bilateral relations and a defining feature of Ambassador Singh’s term," Ngoc added.

He expressed his hope that Singh will continue to play an active role in elevating Vietnam–Singapore relations and deepening cooperation between the two capitals.