Highlighting the sound relations between HCM City and Lao localities such as Vientiane, Champasak and Savannakhet with many cooperation deals signed, Loc said that the ties have been expanded to all departments, sectors, the front systems and armed forces, benefiting both sides.

Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Phuoc Loc and Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Laos’ Houaphanh province Khamsay Saysompheng at their meeting on May 23. (Photo: VNA)

Briefing the guests on local socio-economic development, he affirmed that HCM City always treasures and does its best to maintain, reinforce and develop the great amity with Laos and its localities, including Houaphanh, thereby contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Khamsay Saysompheng expressed his delight at the growth of the special friendship between Laos and Vietnam in general, and between Houaphanh and HCM City in particular.

He appreciated the southern Vietnamese metropolis's wholehearted support for his province over years, particularly in building infrastructure, including the provincial administration's headquarters.

The Houaphanh leader introduced his province's development potential, voicing his hope that in the coming time, Houaphanh and HCM City will continue promoting their comprehensive cooperation in a substantive manner.

He proposed that HCM City leaders encourage local businesses to invest in his province, especially in the areas matching Houaphanh's demand and HCM City's strength such as agriculture, infrastructure construction and human resources development.