Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and the southern province of Binh Phuoc on February 21 signed a cooperation agreement for the 2014-2020 period, under which both sides will further across-the-board cooperation.

The signing took place at a conference reviewing their 2006-2013 socio-economic and cultural connection and set working orientations for the 2014-2020 period.

The top priority will be given to agriculture, such as rubber cultivation, forestation, technology transfer and development of safe vegetable growing and consumption areas.

They will share ways to implement the national target programme on construction of new rural areas while working more closely together in transport, water supply and drainage, information technology, health care and human resources training.

Secretary of Binh Phuoc provincial Party Committee Nguyen Tan Hung expressed a wish for HCM City’s investors to pour capital into the province, saying that they will receive all possible support in infrastructure, policies and administrative procedures.

He said he hopes HCM City will also share its expertise in investment, urban management, planning and telecommunications.

Over the past 8 years, both localities have seen progress in trade, tourism, agriculture and rural development with various business operations benefiting local residents.

On the occasion, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a memorandum of understanding on animal husbandry and hi-tech eggplant cultivation with the city’s firms./.