Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has urged Singapore to encourage its businesses to increase investment in Vietnam and facilitate the flow of Vietnamese exports to the island nation.

He spoke highly of the valuable contributions and special sentiments Lee has extended toward Vietnam and praised the development of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Lee, who began a five-day visit to Vietnam on Monday, praised the country’s recent socio-economic achievements, expressing his belief that, with its efforts and resolve, Vietnam would successfully overcome adverse impacts of the global financial crisis to maintain stability and growth.

The minister shared his government’s experiences on tackling the ongoing economic slowdown and preparing for post-crisis developments.

The two leaders said they were delighted at the implementation of agreements regarding Vietnam-Singapore linkages, and appreciated the efficient operation of two Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks in southern Binh Duong Province, as well as the application of this model in northern Bac Ninh Province and Hai Phong City.

Dung and Lee also agreed to maintain close cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore at regional and international forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum and the United Nations (UN).

Source: VNA