HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern have agreed the two countries should accelerate exchange of visits at all levels to further enhance the comprehensive partnership towards the level of strategic one.

The agreement came following their meeting on Sunday on the sidelines of the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea.
Phúc asked New Zealand to continue facilitating exports from Việt Nam, particularly agricultural products like mango, dragon fruit and rambutan.
Later the same day, Phúc had a meeting with Chief Executive of Hong Kong (China) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, during which he told her there is plenty of room for co-operation between Việt Nam and Hong Kong.
The two agreed to further step up exchange of visits between not only administrative bodies but also business-to-business and people-to-people meetings.
They also agreed to take into account simplifying immigration procedures to allow easier entry for their people and enterprises into the other side. At the same time, Lam said that Hong Kong stands ready to provide scholarships to Vietnamese students.
In addition, they discussed measures to boost two-way trade, investment and cooperation in finance, banking, education and tourism. 
Việt Nam welcomes and will create all possible conditions for enterprises from Hong Kong to expand their business in the country, particularly in the fields of transport services, infrastructure development, manufacturing of electronic parts, support industries and processing, Phúc said.
He added that Việt Nam wants both sides to share experience in urban development and planning, developing smart city and application of high technology.
Phúc and his entourage later left Port Moresby on the evening for home, concluding his trip to Papua New Guinea for the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
This year, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting took place from November 17–18 under the theme “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future”, focusing on three priorities – improving connectivity, deepening regional economic integration, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, and strengthening inclusive growth through structural reforms. — VNS