Hong Kong’s vibrant skyline and infrastructure showcase its development and economic prowess.
During the meeting, Permanent Vice Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, Nguyen Ho Hai, highly appreciated the visit and working trip to Vietnam by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Lee Ka-chiu. He expressed his belief that the visit would further enhance the cooperative relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong, making it more effective and substantial.
Nguyen Ho Hai shared that Ho Chi Minh City aspires to establish an international financial center and is seeking government approval for the Can Gio International Transit Port project (expected to accommodate vessels up to 250,000 DWT, equivalent to 24,000 TEUs, with a total investment of nearly $6 billion).
Nguyen Ho Hai further emphasized the city’s desire to learn from Hong Kong’s expertise in the fields of finance and port development, among others. These are areas where Hong Kong has a strong track record and extensive experience.
Currently, Hong Kong ranks 8th among 125 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh City, with two-way trade reaching $4 billion in 2023.
Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception by the Ho Chi Minh City leaders. He affirmed the significance of the visit by the Hong Kong delegation, stating that it was an important step in strengthening the relationship between the two regions.
Lee Ka-chiu praised Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic development and its position as one of Vietnam’s key growth centers. He emphasized Hong Kong’s interest in fostering stronger ties, establishing cooperative programs, and promoting investment and collaborative exchanges between the two sides.
The Chief Executive highlighted the valuable partnership between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, considering the latter as one of Hong Kong’s important partners in Vietnam. He noted that there are numerous areas where both parties can share and exchange experiences, leveraging each other’s strengths.
Lee Ka-chiu showcased Hong Kong’s strengths, including its role as a leading international financial center and its aspiration to become a hub for innovation. He also mentioned that the Hong Kong delegation included representatives from the fields of finance, logistics, innovation, and tourism. Lee Ka-chiu expressed his hope that the visit would result in signed agreements and further discussed potential areas for expanded cooperation between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlighting Hong Kong’s advantages, Lee Ka-chiu assured that Hong Kong would facilitate connections and encourage investors to explore opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in sectors that align with Hong Kong’s key strengths.
