China’s Guangxi region leader welcomed in Vietnam
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on June 10 received Secretary of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s Party Committee Peng Qinghua, who is on a working visit to Vietnam from June 9-12.
Trong spoke highly of Guangxi’s achievements in its open-door policy over the past 30 years, affirming that Guangxi, contiguous to Vietnam, holds a time-honoured friendship and cooperation with Vietnamese localities.
He expressed his hope that the two sides will further expand exchanges, improve cooperation efficiency in all fields and build a borderline of peace, friendship and development, thus contributing to boosting the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership for mutual benefits.
For his part, Peng affirmed that the regional Party Committee and authorities attach importance to developing the traditional friendship and cooperation in all areas with Vietnam, especially in transport links and trade, and through Vietnam, with ASEAN.
The same day, the Chinese guest was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who stressed that Vietnam wants to foster multifaceted cooperation with China and said he hopes China continues joining hands with Vietnam to deepen the two countries’ relations.
Dung valued the outcomes of the working sessions between Peng Qinghua and leaders of northern Lang Son and Quang Ninh provinces, saying that his visit to Vietnam this time will contribute practically to the relationship between Guangxi and Vietnamese localities in particular, and between the two nations in general.
China is now one of Vietnam’s leading investors and trade partners. However, the two countries still have potential for expanding cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment.
The Vietnamese Government leader also suggested China and Guangxi in particular increase their scholarships to give more Vietnamese students a chance to study in China, as well as work closely with Vietnam’s border localities to control the two countries’ common border.
Peng Qinghua said that his visit aims to accelerate cooperation between Guangxi and Vietnamese localities, particularly in economics, trade, investment, culture, education-training and tourism.
He proposed the two nations invest more in building transport routes linking their localities, border trade and border gate economic zones. He hoped Vietnam will continue creating favourable conditions for Guangxi’s businesses to invest in Vietnam.
The same day, The Guangxi leader was also welcomed by Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who said that Guangxi and Vietnam’s localities should perfect their existing cooperation mechanisms and strengthen cooperation in a practical and effective manner in the fields of their strength.
In 2013, Guangxi will organise the 10th ASEAN-China Expo, Peng said, adding that he hopes this event will help boost the relationship between China and ASEAN, including Vietnam.
The China-Vietnam Comprehensive Economic and Trade Forum and the 2013 Guangxi Trade Fair were also held within the framework of Peng’s visit to Vietnam at the invitation of FM Pham Binh Minh.