Goh arrived in Vietnam earlier the same day for a six-day visit which was hailed by Dung as a “lively symbol” of the two countries’ friendship.

They agreed that Vietnam and Singapore should beef up cooperation under what they called the Singapore-Vietnam Connectivity framework agreement, which links the country’s sea ports and logistic facilities.

Vietnam and Singapore expect bilateral trade to reach over US$8 billion this year from $7.7 billion in 2006.

Singapore’s investment in Vietnam has totaled $9.7 billion, according to Vietnamese statistics.

Dung said Vietnam would continue to facilitate the investment of Singaporean businesses in Vietnam.

Minister Goh praised Vietnam’s economic and social achievements, saying that the country had the opportunity and potential for further development.

He shared with Dung Singaporean experiences in the development of human resources, financial market and sea ports.

Goh also talked about his experiences in boosting the country’s growth rate, controlling inflation and developing the information technology industry.

Busy agenda

Goh will also hold discussions with General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party Nong Duc Manh, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and other senior members of the Vietnamese government.

He will also attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the third Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Bac Ninh Province.

The first two VSIPs, located in southern Binh Duong Province, have been performing well.

He will also visit Hue and Hoi An, where he will meet local leaders.

Mr. Goh will then head to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) for a meeting with the HCMC People’s Committee Chairman Le Hoang Quan.

Senior Minister Goh will also meet Singaporean business leaders based in Vietnam.

He will then attend the commencement ceremony of the Ascendas-Protrade Tech Park and visit the showroom of Guocoland in Binh Duong Province.

Mr. Goh will be accompanied by his wife as well as Minister Lim Boon Heng, Member of Parliament Seah Kian Peng and other senior officials.

Source: VNA