Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has discussed measures to strengthen ties between his home country and Ho Chi Minh City, during an official visit to Vietnam from March 21 to 24.

The Singaporean premier joined talks with the chairman of the municipal People’s Committee at the Reunification Palace on Tuesday afternoon.

During their conversation, chairman Phong highlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a pioneer in providing a favorable investment environment for businesses from other nations, including Singapore, to operate.

Praising the positive development in the two parties’ ties in economic matters, trade, and investment, the city’s leader urged Singapore to carry out major projects in Ho Chi Minh City as a symbol of the strong relationship between the two parties.

Chairman Phong called on the Singaporean government to push forward cooperation in the clean food industry and provide further technological assistance for the Vietnamese city’s metro-rail construction.

He also expressed his hope for Singapore’s help in improving human resources, and to share their experience in building a smart metropolis.

Replying to his host, PM Lee praised the existing positive and sustainable relationship between the two nations.

The union was lifted to new heights when Vietnam and Singapore became strategic partners in 2013, creating a foundation for multi-faceted cooperation in many fields.

The Singaporean head of government also spoke highly of Ho Chi Minh City’s potential for development, highlighting over 900 projects that have been carried out by Singaporean investors.

The visiting leader said that he wished to continue to co-operate in the Vietnamese city, including the exchange of high-ranking officials, and the transfer of experience in urban management and development.

During his stay in the southern hub, PM Lee and his wife were scheduled to visit several local historic sites and meet with the Singaporean business community on Tuesday.

They are scheduled to attend the inauguration ceremony of a business center developed by Mapletree, one of Singapore’s leading investors, in District 7 on Wednesday morning.

An official welcome ceremony for the premier will be held in Hanoi on Thursday, followed by a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

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