A delegation from Ho Chi Minh City is paying a working visit to Belgium to seek more Belgian investment in various fields such as education, healthcare and science.

During the visit, which runs from June 28 to July 3, the delegation led by Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan, met with Belgian businesses and organisation to discuss potential bilateral cooperation projects using Belgium’s Official Development Assistance, particularly the continuation of a project on dredging Soai Rap River.

Chairman Quan said the Soai Rap River project funded by Belgium’s ODA has greatly helped in improving the region’s waterway transport system.

He added that HCM City is studying the urban development model in the Antwerp port – one of Europe’s busiest sea ports – with a view to applying the model to developing the city’s Hiep Phuoc port.

The chairman also highlighted the potential for cooperation between the city and Belgian localities, adding that it is necessary to create favourable conditions for their businesses and locals to visit Vietnam.

On June 28, the Chairman joined a gala dinner held by the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association (BVA) to mark its 3 rd founding anniversary.

He took this occasion to brief the host about China’s illegal placement of its oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, which undermines the regional security and safety of navigation.

He called on the international community to raise their voice together with Vietnam to defend justice for the interests of nations in the region and the world.-VNA