The Chinese delegation was received on March 30 by To Huy Rua, Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC).

Mr Rua, who is also Head of the CPVCC’s Commission for Information and Education, welcomed the CPC delegation’s visit, saying it takes places at a time when the two countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties and the Year of Vietnam-China Friendship 2010.

The official said he hopes that the trip will enrich activities during the Year of Friendship and further promote close exchanges between the two Parties, and States as well as between their cities and provinces.

Mr Zhao, who is also Secretary of Shanxi province’s CPC Committee, spoke of the province’s socio-economic development and potential, and expressed his wish to step up multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, especially in the fields of science, technology, culture, education, tourism and agriculture.

He informed his host of the signing of cooperation deals and projects between Shanxi province and local partners.

Zhao said he believes that with strong developments in the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, Shanxi’s cooperation with Vietnam and its localities will be closer and more effective.

Earlier, the Chinese delegates held talks with their CPV counterparts, headed by Hoang Binh Quan, CPVCC member and Head of the CPVCC’s Commission for External Relations.

The two sides updated each other on socio-economic development in their respective countries and exchanged views on bilateral relations between the two Parties and States.

They also discussed the possibility of cooperation in economy, trade and investment as well as other fields between Shanxi province and Vietnam and its localities.

During the trip, the Chinese delegation paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, visited a number of economic and cultural establishments in Ho Chi Minh City and participated in Shanxi’s trade and investment promotion activities in Hanoi.