Hanoi is seeking experience from Singapore in urban governance, and smart cities, and welcomes the participation of Singaporean companies in urban development projects.

Hanoi's mayor Tran Sy Thanh (r) and Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh expressed his view during a meeting with Singapore’s Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam on August 16.

According to Thanh, Vietnam-Singapore relations in general, and Singapore-Hanoi relations in particular, have made strong progress over the years, but there is still huge untapped potential.

Thanh pointed out Singapore continues to be one of the most active partners in assisting Vietnam in global integration.

“To date, both sides have formed a comprehensive partnership in terms of investment, education, environment, urban,” Thanh added.

The Mayor of Hanoi referred to the municipal resolution on development with a vision for 2045, which sets the goal of completing the city's master planning for the next ten years, asking Singapore to provide experts for Hanoi in this regard.

For his part, Ambassador Jaya Ratnam noted his objective is to strengthen the strong relations between Singapore and Vietnam, with a focus on cooperation with Hanoi, and take the bilateral relationship to a new height.

Ratnam said that this is significant as both countries are heading towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership by 2023.

The Singaporean Ambassador said both Hanoi and Singapore shared the same view of taking the people at the core of the development.

He stressed his commitment to support Hanoi in urban development, eventually becoming a modern city while preserving its historical and cultural values.

Ratnam also proposed that both sides further promote cooperation in education and create a platform for businesses to find opportunities, saying these are the steps to strengthen the comprehensive partnership between Singapore and Hanoi in particular, and with Vietnam in general.