The HCM City Party Committee Secretary Đinh La Thăng meets wih senior advisor to the US Secretary of State, David Thorne in HCM City on Wednesday (March 8). — Photo VGP

HCM CITY (VNS) —The HCM City Party Committee Secretary Đinh La Thăng on Wednesday (March 8) met senior advisor to the US Secretary of State, David Thorne in HCM City. 

At the meeting, Thăng stressed the growing relations between the two countries, particularly after the visit to the US by Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in July last year.

HCM City authorities said they welcomed the upcoming visit to Việt Nam by US President Barack Obama. The visit will play a role in taking the Việt Nam-US comprehensive partnership to new heights, they said.

Thăng said the city paid close attention to projects with US localities and enterprises, especially those launched by the US in HCM City, including the recent construction project of Fulbright University.

The city is also undertaking measures to expand the economy and trade of the country and region, he said, adding that it was working to create a good environment for investors, and to improve facilities and reduce pollution and traffic congestion.

The city is home to more than 266,000 companies, accounting for half of all businesses in the country.

Local authorities have committed to promote links in innovation and creativity, and support start-ups, especially those of young people.

Thorne told local authorities that the city’s dynamic youth were likely to help the city realise its goal of doubling the number of enterprises by 2020.

Thorne’s visit aimed to encourage the spirit of start-ups and the start-up eco-system among local youth.

He said he would suggest that President Obama plan to visit HCM City and the southern region as part of his trip in May.— VNS