VOV.VN - Standing Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee Le Thanh Liem hosted a reception on May 27 for Minister and Secretary General of the Presidency of Ivory Coast Achi Patrick, during which they discussed measures to step up bilateral cooperation, particularly in economics.

Liem expressed confidence that the visit by the Western African guest would help foster economic collaboration, as well as deepen the Vietnam-Ivory Coast friendship.

He also hailed the growing two-way trade with over US$1 billion achieved in recent times, helping propel Ivory Coast into the position as Vietnam’s top trade partner in Africa.

Liem highlighted the country as a promising market for Vietnamese agricultural products and an important material supplier for Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City is prioritising high-tech agriculture and biotechnology for production of highly added value agricultural products, he said, adding that both sides have great potential for stronger cooperation in the future.

Patrick, in turn, said that he was impressed by the city’s dynamic development, and his visit to the city is designed to learn from Vietnam’s experience in national construction and development, including poverty alleviation and foreign investment attraction.

He suggested boosting mutually beneficial cooperation on aquaculture cultivation, and agricultural production.