PM Phuc meets with New Zealand, Hong Kong leaders on APEC sidelines

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern have agreed the two sides should accelerate exchange of visits at all levels to further enhance the comprehensive partnership towards the level of strategic one.

The agreement came following their meeting on November 18 on the sidelines of the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea.

Phuc asked New Zealand to continue facilitating exports from Vietnam, particularly of agricultural products like mango, dragon fruit and rambutan.

Later the same day, PM Phuc had a meeting with Chief Executive of Hong Kong (China) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, during which he told her that there is plenty of room for cooperation between Vietnam and Hong Kong.

The two agreed to further step up exchange of visits between not only administrative bodies but also business-to-business and people-to-people meetings.

They also agreed to take into account simplifying immigration procedures to allow easier entry for their people and enterprises into the other side. At the same time, Lam affirmed that Hong Kong stands ready to provide scholarships to Vietnamese students.

In addition, they discussed measures to boost two-way trade, investment and cooperation in finance, banking, education and tourism.

Vietnam welcomes and will create all possible conditions for enterprises from Hong Kong to expand their business in the country, particularly in the fields of transport services, infrastructure development, manufacturing of electronic parts, support industries, and processing, PM Phuc said.

He added that Vietnam wants both sides to share experience in urban development and planning, developing smart city and application of high technology.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his entourage later left Port Moresby on the evening for home, concluding his trip to Papua New Guinea for the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

This year, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting took place from November 17 – 18 under the theme “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future”, focusing on three priorities – improving connectivity, deepening regional economic integration’ promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, and strengthening inclusive growth through structural reforms. –VNA