Hanoi gives strong priority to fostering unique friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Laos’ localities, especially Vientiane.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung stressed the view in a meeting with Laos Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang today [August 26].

Overview of the meeting. Photos: Duy Linh

According to Dung, Hanoi’s economy achieved positive growth of 7.39% during the 2016-2020 period, which contributed a significant part to the overall growth.

“Hanoi stayed second nationwide in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and stood at the top spot during the 2018-2019 period,” Dung noted.

For the coming time, Dung said Hanoi aims to become a green, modern and civilized city with rapid and sustainable economic development.

“The city remains steadfast in placing the people and enterprises at the center of its services, along with efforts to improve the business environment for the private sector to play a major role in its economic structure,” he continued.

In this regard, the local party chief suggested Hanoi would continue to enhance governance efficiency in land planning, construction discipline, urban order, and environmental protection while pushing for cooperation with priority partners.

Hanoi Party chief Dinh Tien Dung (r) on behalf of the city offers financial support and medical equipment for Laos localities.

As the city is facing the fourth Covid-19 outbreak, Dung said enforcement of restriction measures remains the top priority. In this regard, Hanoi has decided to adopt a social distancing order across the city and aims to take this golden period to fully contain the pandemic.

In its foreign policies, Hanoi places the highest priority on cooperation with Laos localities, especially Vientiane, and has played a part in supporting the construction of meaningful works in Laos.

On this occasion, Dung noted Hanoi would donate Vientiane 30,000 medical masks, 10,000 test kits, $40,000; and $20,000 each for eight northern provinces in Laos.

“These are significant support at a difficult time and the evidence of the unique ties between the two countries,” Dung added.

Dung stressed Hanoi would continue to contribute to bilateral relations and explore new fields to tap into the potentials of each side.

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang expressed thanks for the support of Vietnam during the pandemic and congratulated Hanoi authorities and the people on the occasion of the upcoming Independence Day on September 2.