HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc held a meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 2018 World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN).

The Vietnamese Government leader spoke highly of Lee’s attendance at WEF ASEAN, saying that it is vivid illustration of Singapore’s role and responsibility as the chair of ASEAN 2018.

PM Phúc lauded Singapore’s achievements in economy and science-technology, hoping that Singapore will help Việt Nam grasp opportunities brought by the fourth industrial revolution, apply digital technology in governance and urbanisation process, transfer technologies, and develop software parks and start-up centres.

Lee, for his part, welcomed the participation of Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, and HCM City in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network to optimise their potential and advantages to become a leading urban area in the region.

The two prime ministers stressed the close relations between the two countries, saying that regular meetings of leaders from both sides have contributed to developing the strategic partnership in a stable, practical and effective manner.

They agreed to continue support for the business communities of both sides to expand investment and business in each other’s country, join hands to build a transparent and stable policy framework, as well as remove obstacles for businesses, with the goal of raising two-way trade and investment.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two government leaders pledged to maintain close co-operation and coordination within ASEAN to ensure the spirit of resilience and innovation. Also, they will work to promote consensus and solidarity among ASEAN and the bloc’s central role, and uphold the bloc’s principles in key issues related to peace, security and stability in the region, including the East Sea.

They were unanimous in calling for accelerated trade liberalisation and regional economic linkages, and coordinating with other countries to soon complete the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). — VNS