Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Nen (R) receives Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam on November 5. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

He said the relationship between the two countries has flourished considerably in recent times and the upgrade will not only recognize the strong existing ties but also create a more robust framework to further strengthen economic, political, and security cooperation in the long term.

Ratnam appreciated the dynamism and creativity of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the opportunities provided by the National Assembly Resolution 98/2023/QH15 on special mechanisms for the city’s development.

He said he believes that enhancing cooperation in data management will attract semiconductor companies and foreign direct investment to the city. The diplomat hoped to see robust development in various collaborative fields, including energy and education, between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City in the near future.

Nen for his part said that Ho Chi Minh City is hastening sustainable development, with a strong focus on digital transformation, green transformation, and energy transition.

The city is particularly interested in areas where Singapore has expertise, such as human resource training, he told his guest, adding that the city is implementing administrative reform programs, including public policy reform, smart city development, and digital transformation.

Ho Chi Minh City hopes that Singapore will share its knowledge and support for win-win results, the Party official said.

According to the Party official, the Southern Key Economic Region, with Ho Chi Minh City as its core, has made significant contributions to the national economy and has been authorized to pilot exceptional, specialized policies to foster breakthroughs.

This region is well-suited for major projects, especially as it prepares to launch the trans-Asia railway and transportation corridor from Ho Chi Minh City through Tay Ninh to Phnom Penh.