A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by member of the CPC Central Committee Zhao Leji, is paying a working visit to Vietnam from March 28-31.

The Chinese delegates were received on March 30 by Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) To Huy Rua.

Rua, who is also Head of the CPVCC’s Commission for Information and Education, welcomed the CPC delegation’s visit, saying it takes places at a time when the two countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties and the Year of Vietnam-China Friendship 2010.

The official said he hoped that the trip will enrich activities during the Year of Friendship and further promote close exchanges between the two Parties, and States as well as their cities and provinces.

Zhao, who is also Secretary of Shaanxi province’s CPC Committee, spoke of the province’s socio-economic development and potential, and expressed his wish to step up multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam , especially in the fields of science, technology, culture, education, tourism and agriculture.

He informed his host of the outcomes reached during the ongoing visit and cooperation deals and projects signed between Shaanxi province and local partners.

Zhao said he believed that with strong developments in the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, Shaanxi ’s cooperation with Vietnam and its localities will be closer and more effective.

Earlier, the Chinese delegates held talks with their CPV counterparts, headed by CPVCC member and Head of the CPVCC’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan.

The two sides brought each other up-to-date on socio-economic development in their respective countries and exchanged views on bilateral relations between the two Parties and States.

They also discussed the possibility of cooperation in economy, trade and investment as well as other fields between Shaanxi province and Vietnam and its localities.

During the trip, the Chinese delegation paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, visited a number of economic and cultural establishments in Ho Chi Minh City and participated in Shaanxi ’s trade and investment promotion activities in Hanoi./.