Potential for more business and economic links with Ho Chi Minh City: PM Lee

Call by HE Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of HCMC People's Comittee at the Vice President's Salon in the Reunification Palace on March 21, 2017. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH
PM Lee toasts HE Nguyen Thanh Phong after he finished his speech at the Reunification Palace in HCM on March 21, 2017. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH
PM Lee gives a speech before lunch at the Reunification Palace in HCM on March 21, 2017.
ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH
During their meeting, both sides affirmed the strong economic and business links between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH

HO CHI MINH CITY - Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) People's Committee chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong called on and hosted PM Lee Hsien Loong to lunch on Tuesday (March 21), the first day of Mr Lee's four-day visit to Vietnam.

During their meeting, both sides affirmed the strong economic and business links between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, which is Vietnam's commercial hub.

Singapore remains the top foreign investor in the city of eight million, with Singapore investments of US$10.2 billion (S$14.3 billion).

PM Lee and Chairman Phong discussed common priority areas for both Singapore and Ho Chi Minh city, Mr Lee's press secretary told reporters.

PM Lee noted that the potential is great and conveyed Singapore's continued interest in expanding investments in Ho Chi Minh City. Chairman Phong also updated him on plans for the city's development.

PM Lee indicated that Singapore is happy to share Singapore's experience in urban planning and management. PM Lee thanked the Ho Chi Minh City leadership's support for Singapore and its businesses.

Chairman Phong looked forward to deeper business links with Singapore and hoped that the city will continue to provide a conducive operating environment for success.

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