Hanoi (VNA) – More than 250 Vietnamese andChinese delegates gathered at a conference in Hanoi on November 13 to compare notes on howto expand forms of connectivity and cooperation between cities and provincesalong the economic corridor to boost economic development in the new situation.

The 10th conference on economic corridor cooperation among five provinces andcities of Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Lao Cai of Vietnam and China’sYunnan province was organised by the Hanoi People’s Committee.

This was a major diplomatic event hosted by Hanoi in the context that Vietnamand China have been implementing the their joint statement after the China visit byGeneral Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, and commemorating the 15thanniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (June2008-June 2023).

It contributed to promoting cultural traditions, potential and socio-economicachievements of Hanoi and the other participating localities.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanhexpressed his belief that the results will create a foundation to step upcooperation between the cities and provinces, as well as the two countries.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quanghighlighted the positive development of the Vietnam-China relationship, andaffirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the friendship and cooperationbetween the two countries' localities as an important component of theComprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Notably, the relations between Vietnamese localities and China’s Yunnanprovince were formed on the basis of the traditional friendship andlong-standing attachment between the two sides' people. They have been constantlyconsolidated and strengthened by generations of revolutionary predecessors aswell as leaders of the two countries, he said.

He suggested the localities stay more resolved, active and creative tocontribute to realising high-level agreements and common perceptions, and makestronger efforts to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnershipin a sustainable way.

The Deputy PM urged the participants to work on new cooperation frameworks andmodels that match potential, advantages, conditions and priorities of thelocalities in order to create breakthroughs in economic, trade and investmentcollaboration, and intensify transport infrastructure connectivity, especiallyroads and railways in border areas.

He also mentioned expanding cooperation in culture and tourism, increasing people-to-peopleexchanges, especially between youths, and fostering collaboration in the safe,effective and sustainable use and management of water resources.  

The localities should maintain their coordination to firmly consolidate thecommon border of peace and friendship, accelerate the opening and upgrading ofa number of border gates in accordance with planning and development schemesfor each period, and facilitate border trade, Quang added.  

Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo affirmed that China stands ready to workwith Vietnam to observe common strategic perceptions reached by theirParty chiefs.

A number of cooperation agreements between localities and enterprises of the two countries were signed on this occasion./.