Nguyễn Thanh Phong, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee receives Irish President Michael Higgins yesterday in HCM City. – Photo Thanh Vũ

CM City – Ireland will step up its co-operation with HCM City in hi-tech agriculture and biochemical technologies, Irish President Michael Higgins said yesterday.

He was responding to a request from Nguyễn Thanh Phong, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, that Irish businesses increase their investments in the city, particularly in areas that Ireland is strong in, like agriculture, food processing, diary products and telecommunications.

The city also hopes for greater co-operation with Ireland in climate change responses.

Speaking at a reception for the visiting President and his spouse Sabina Higgins, Phong also suggested that Ireland continue assisting Viet Nam in education and training.
He also called on Ireland to facilitate access for Vietnamese garments and textiles, footwear, farm produce, processed food and handicrafts.
Phong said President Higgins’s visit would contribute to enhancing fruitful relations between Viet Nam and Ireland.
Higgins responded that based on the outcomes of his meetings with Vietnamese leaders and the freshly-signed agreements, he was confident that bilateral ties woud be taken to new heights.
Ireland’s investment strategy dovetails nicely with Việt Nam’s green and sustainable development strategy, he said.

Both countries should support each other in the task of achieving balanced, sustainable growth, the Irish President said.
He said Ireland also wishes to partner with HCM City in facilitating the entry of either country’s products into each other’s markets,.
After the meeting, President Higgins and municipal leaders witnessed the signing of several MoUs (memoranda of understanding) on co-operation in education, aviation, research and biodiversity preservation.
The President and his wife attended an exchange between Vietnamese and Irish businesses, and visited several historical sites in HCM City. -- VNS