Newly-accredited Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Chai Wenrui has affirmed his support for Vietnam’s largest economic hub to link with Chinese localities in business and tourism.

The Chinese diplomat made the affirmation at a December 26 reception given by Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Le Thanh Hai.

The guest also vowed to spare no effort to further expand the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations.

The municipal leader said he believes that Chai Wenrui will contribute greatly to boosting the ties between Vietnam and China.

In 2013, the two countries saw positive developments in their relationship, with their high-ranking leaders reaching common perceptions and important agreements on deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The two sides have reached important perceptions to develop their cooperation in a stable and healthy manner, he said, adding that they have agreed to set up three working groups on sea, land and financial-monetary issues.

The two sides have pledged to hasten the operations of the three groups to increase the number of Chinese investment projects in Vietnam, especially in transport infrastructure, and increase bilateral financial-monetary cooperation.

By October, 2013, two-way trade between Vietnam and China hit about 41 billion USD, up 31.7 percent over the same period last year. The year’s goal is 50 billion USD.

Both sides pledged to work together to reach 60 billion USD in two-way trade by 2015.-VNA