Vietnamese provinces, Guangxi to strengthen comprehensive relations: General Secretary To Lam
Both sides are committed to foster relations in economy and trade, people-to-people exchange, and technology.
Guangxi and Vietnamese localities should closely follow the high-level consensus between the two countries to foster their comprehensive relations, General Secretary To Lam said on February 18.
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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam receives Chen Gang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Photo: VNA
He urged the two sides to enhance friendly exchanges and mutual understanding, and effectively implement mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, especially economic and trade exchanges, infrastructure, science and technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Both sides need to accelerate the pilot development of smart border gates to facilitate customs clearance, especially for Vietnamese agricultural products entering China, and enhance border management, he told a meeting with Chen Gang, member of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee and Secretary of the Chinese Party Committee of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
To Lam encouraged more people-to-people links on expectations that the "Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges 2025" campaign will be a success to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam-China diplomatic relations.
Highlighting Guangxi's close ties with Vietnam, he praised its leading role in fostering practical cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
General Secretary To Lam appreciated that authorities of Vietnamese provinces (Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang) and Guangxi have collaborated to organize the annual Spring Meeting for their Party secretaries.
He also supported the innovative idea of inviting Haiphong city to join this annual meeting.
Developing relations with China is an objective necessity, a strategic choice, and a top priority in Vietnam’s independent, self-reliant, and diversified foreign policy, the general secretary said.
He expressed confidence that Guangxi’s Secretary Chen Gang will lead the provincial Party, government, and people achieve great successes, and make Guangxi more prosperous.
For his part, Chen Gang thanked General Secretary To Lam expressed his desire to promote key areas of cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of exchanging delegations at all levels, expanding cooperation in economy, trade, investment, education, and scientific research, and advancing the development of AI and big data.
Secretary Chen also called for accelerating the pilot smart border gate project, which will enhance cross-border transportation, boost trade and travel between China and Vietnam and other ASEAN countries and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between Guangxi and Vietnamese localities.
Guangxi is committed to deepening friendly relations and cooperation with Vietnamese provinces, as the latter are the top priority partners to the Chinese province.
Guangxi will continue to take the lead in implementing the high-level consensus between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and build a Vietnam-China Community with a shared future of strategic significance, he added.
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US firms in Vietnam concern potential export tariffs
The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam has urged policymakers to continue dialogue to find solutions that support sustainable economic growth and minimize trade disruptions.