MFA Press Statement: Visit of Le Thanh Hai, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Deputy of National Assembly and Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee (19-20 March 2013)

                   Mr Le Thanh Hai, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Deputy of National Assembly and Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Party Committee, is visiting Singapore from 19 to 20 March 2013.

                   Mr Hai called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong this morning.  During the call, Prime Minister Lee and Mr Hai noted the robust economic ties between Singapore and HCMC, and agreed to explore ways to further bilateral cooperation.  Mr Hai thanked the Singapore Government for its consistent support to the economic development of HCMC, notwithstanding the economic challenges Vietnam faced recently.  In 2012, Singapore was one of the top investors in HCMC and Vietnam as a whole.  Mr Hai also expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Lee for the training courses that Singapore had extended to HCMC officials under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP).

                   Mr Hai's visit underscores the warm bilateral ties between Singapore and Vietnam, as both countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.  In addition to the call on Prime Minister Lee, Mr Hai was hosted to lunch by Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.  Mr Hai also visited Fusionopolis today, and will visit the Economic Development Board tomorrow.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

19 MARCH 2013