Belgium will continue to assist Ho Chi Minh City in enhancing and developing its infrastructure and water management.

Agreements were signed for the second phase of a project to clear mud from Soai Rap River and for a plant to treat mud from the current water plants, which was attended by Belgium ’s visiting Crown Prince Philippe on Mar. 15.

On meeting the Prince, the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan, said that the Belgian-funded projects are extremely significant to socio-economic development and environmental improvements in the city.

He said he hoped that Belgium will continue to support the city and strengthen ties, especially in investment and trade. Prince Philippe stated that Belgium ’s largest ever business delegation to visit the country is aimed at boosting cooperation, especially in economics.

He said Belgium is ready to assist and work with Vietnam , in particular Ho Chi Minh City , and his delegation will focus on transport, infrastructure development, water management, environment, green technology, education, healthcare and food technology.

Later the same day, Crown Prince Philippe witnessed the signing of contracts and memorandums of understandings for 12 projects on education, agriculture, aquaculture and food technology between universities companies and other organisations from both countries.

He also met with officials of Lam Dong and Soc Trang provinces, Can Tho University and then attended a ceremony to present the Beluxcham Prize, an award bestowed by the Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce to Belgian businesses operating in Vietnam .

Also on Mar. 15, several Belgian businesses, in conjunction with their Vietnamese partners, held seminars on food technology and aquaculture, medical services, management training in water resources and public services.

The Belgian company Sopura S. A. also signed a leasing with Vietnamese firm Sepzone-Linh Trung for a plot in Linh Trung III industrial zone in Tay Ninh province Sopura S.A. will invest 2 million USD in building a factory there to produce sterilising agents for the food and beverage industry.-VNA