HCM City steps up cooperative relations with Italy
VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City is poised to resume delegation exchanges with Italy as it seeks to promote co-operative ties with the southern European country following the COVID-19 pandemic basically being brought under control.
Vice Chairman of HCM City People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan made statement at a ceremony on June 2 marking the 76th Republic Day - National Day of Italy held by the Italian General Consulate in HCM City.
The southern metropolis is among the leading localities in Vietnam in promoting cooperation with Italy.
The city is currently home to 54 projects of Italian investors with total capital of US$ 74 million, with two-way trade between HCM City and Italy was valued at US$619 million in 2021.
According to the official, before the pandemic broke out, the two sides used to exchange delegations, which opened up cooperative opportunities in many fields. He said Vietnamese people in general and people in HCM City in particular are keen on the culture, architecture, fine arts, sports and cuisine of Italy.
The Italian Consul General in HCM City, Enrico Padula, said along with a good political relationship, bilateral ties in other fields such as trade, technology, cuisine and fashion have helped increase mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
He appreciated the role of HCM City in stepping up the Italy-Vietnam relations, and pledged to make efforts to connect the Italian community in central and southern Vietnam with the Vietnamese authorities and potential Vietnamese partners.
Padula said he hopes both nation will work hand in hand to launch a range of activities to promote the Italian culture and boost bilateral partnership in trade, education, tourism and culture in 2023 when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.