Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai spoke highly of the effectivecooperation between Vietnam and Singapore, while addressing the seventh SingaporeRegional Business Forum (SRBF) in Hanoi on July 7.

This is the first time the forum has been held outsideSingapore.

Khai told participants that Singapore currently ranks secondamong the 143 countries and territories pouring capital into Vietnam, with over3,200 projects totaling 73.4 billion USD.

Singaporean investors have been participating in most ofVietnam's economic sectors and fields and have always implemented their projectsseriously. Meanwhile, Vietnamese businesses have invested in nearly 150projects in Singapore with a total registered capital of nearly 700 millionUSD, mainly in professional activities, science and technology.

According to the Deputy PM, these cooperation results areencouraging, but have yet to meet both sides’ potential.

He expressed his hope that with high determination, jointefforts of the two countries, and close friendship of the two peoples, economiccooperation will remain an important pillar in the bilateral relations and a drivingforce to lift the ties to a new height.

The Vietnamese Government is committed to always listeningto, accompanying, supporting and creating all favourable conditions for foreignenterprises, including those from Singapore, to run effective, long-term andsustainable business and investment in Vietnam, added Khai.

Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that in thecoming time, the two sides need to expand cooperation within the framework ofan agreement connecting the two economies and the digital economy - green economypartnership, in order to bring into full play opportunities brought about bythe global economic recovery and the fourth Industrial Revolution.

Vietnam wishes Singapore and foreign partners to continue cooperating with and supporting Vietnam in policy consultation and criticism, and transfer of moderntechnologies and solutions and new economic models, he said.

Singaporean Minister for Manpower and Second Minister forTrade and Industry Tan See Leng said that the forum, one among the activities tocelebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Singaporediplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership,is a chance for both sides to consolidate economic collaboration.

On this occasion, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) –the organiser of the forum - is bringing a delegation of 25 Singaporebusinesses to Hanoi from July 5 to 8 to learn about Vietnam’s business climate,and culture, and to promote cooperation with local enterprises./.