PM Chính speaking at the World Economic Forum in Dalian, China. VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s trip to China for the 15th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian city and working sessions in the country from June 24 to 27 demonstrates WEF and China’s respect for Việt Nam as well as the country’s role and influence in the global economy, Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo has said.

In an interview granted to the VNA, Xiong said as a key guest at the forum, PM Chính delivered an important address to an audience of 1,700 guests from over 100 countries and territories.

Chính shared Việt Nam’s achievements, including those in socio-economic development, Đổi Mới (renewal), and planning, and said he welcomes foreign firms to land investment and do business in the country.

The Chinese diplomat highlighted that China acknowledges the achievements that Việt Nam has recorded over the past time under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Việt Nam headed by General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, adding the country has overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to bolster the economy which has been on positive growth momentum, with trade revenue in the world’s top 20, and GDP growth expected to exceed 6 per cent this year. 

He said PM Chính was among the very few foreign leaders invited to the forum for the third consecutive year, given the country’s achievements and its significance to the regional and global economy.

During his stay in China, PM Chính had separate meetings with Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and other Chinese high-ranking leaders, during which they exchanged their viewpoints on strategic issues and reached important common perceptions.

At the talks in Dalian between PM Chính and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the two sides looked back on the bilateral cooperation in all domains, spoke highly of the results that the two countries have attained in the building of a Việt Nam – China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance following the trip to Việt Nam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in 2023, and outlined a roadmap for the bilateral comprehensive cooperation in the coming time.

He also had a meeting in Beijing with Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee Wang Huning, during which the leaders shared experience in Party building, state management, the promotion of the socialism building in the new period, and the renewal process in each nation.

Xiong stressed that PM Chính’s visit helps concretise the common perceptions reached by the two Party chiefs and other high-ranking leaders, especially the joint statements and cooperation documents, aiming at preserving and promoting the current growth impetus in the two countries.

Touching upon cooperation opportunities between the two countries in the coming time, Xiong highlighted that leaders of both sides prioritise transport infrastructure development and connectivity, particularly the cross-border railway system.

China attaches importance to cooperation with Việt Nam in this field, especially projects in the latter's northern region and the two countries' border areas, the diplomat said, adding it supported Việt Nam in completing the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line planning.

He stressed China stands ready to help Việt Nam carry out feasibility study for the projects after it fulfills the preparation work, adding they will play an important role in Việt Nam’s economic development.

According to Xiong, cross-border railway connectivity is of great significance, showing high political trust between the two nations and contributing to deepening their close ties in the areas of supply and production chains.

Once such railway projects completed, Việt Nam will have an important role to play in connecting European and Central Asian countries with other ASEAN member states, he underscored, describing it as a vivid demonstration of a Việt Nam – China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. VNS