The visiting Governor made the statement while meeting with Truong Tan Sang, politburo member and standing member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat, in Hanoi on April 22.

He affirmed that his visit to Vietnam is part of agreements reached during Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Sichuan to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation between Sichuan and Vietnamese localities.

Governor Jiang expressed his pleasure at the fine development of the neighbouring friendship and cooperation between the two countries in recent times, as well as the strengthening of multi-faceted cooperation between Sichuan and ministries, sectors and localities in Vietnam. Those fine relations have brought benefit to both sides, he stated.

The Vietnamese Party official congratulated Sichuan on their achievements in overcoming the devastating aftermath of the May 2008 earthquake, and their successes in socio-economic development.

He praised the increase of exchanges between agencies and Party organisations, authorities and people of the two sides, which have helped boost mutual understanding and trust. He expressed his belief that the visit will expand bilateral cooperation.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem received the Chinese guest in Hanoi.

During the visit to Vietnam from April 21-25, the Sichuan delegation is scheduled to visit Hai Phong city, Thua Thien-Hue province and Ho Chi Minh City.