Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc pledged all possible support for Singaporean investors to do long-term business in Vietnam during a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Hanoi on October 26.
Apart from close cooperation between the two States and governments, the PM suggested increasing ties in other areas, especially in education and people-to-people exchange. He asked the Singaporean side to open more industrial parks in Da Nang, Ninh Binh, and soon inaugurate the 8th Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park in the southern province of Binh Duong and a food processing facility in the central province of Thanh Hoa.
The two sides should promote the orientating role of the Economic Connectivity Ministerial Meeting mechanism in advising the governments on related policies, PM Phuc said, adding that the mechanism should also serve as a bridge to the business communities of both countries to access each other’s market.
Appreciating Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong’s opinions at recent international forums, the Vietnamese government leader stressed that ASEAN needs to pursue the common stance on the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea while working towards building a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
As ASEAN member states, Vietnam and Singapore need to consolidate solidarity and reach a common stance, he noted.
PM Phuc took note of the Singaporean FM’s proposal regarding air transport and promised to direct agencies concerned to consider and provide an early response.
Hailing the outcomes of talks between the two foreign ministers, PM Phuc said both sides should grasp opportunities arising from the fourth industrial revolution.
Balakrishnan suggested increasing the frequency of flights connecting Singapore with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, adding that Singapore is ready to welcome more Vietnamese students to the country.
He told the host that his visit is meant to strengthen political exchange and explore business opportunities in Vietnam.
The same day, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan hosted a reception for the Singaporean FM.
Minister Balakrishnan said Singapore attaches importance to reinforcing the bilateral strategic partnership with Vietnam across trade, investment, human resources training, education and tourism.
On the East Sea issue, he affirmed that Singapore has practical interest in ensuring the principles of maritime and aviation freedom, and wishes parties concerned to abide by international law and uphold ASEAN’s central role in building the East Sea into an area of peace and friendship.
VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan took the occasion to ask Singapore to share experience and assist Vietnam in building smart urban areas.
Nhan also expressed his hope that Singapore will cooperate with Vietnam in strengthening cyber security, training information technology workforce and building the e-government.-VNA
