HCMC strengthens ties with New York

The MOU was signed in New York in the presence of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Chairman Mai said the MOU has a great significance for the two cities and it is not only symbolic but also demonstrates a commitment to promoting comprehensive, substantive, and effective cooperation between the two countries at all levels.

The twinning will be a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation programs between the two cities in the fields of economics, finance, culture, and environment (especially projects related to climate change), science and technology, innovation, and education, according to Mai.

Establishing twinned relationships between the two cities opens up space for businesses to connect, strengthen cooperation, and expand markets, the chairman added.

Mai also said that as one of the world's most important financial centers, New York can support HCMC in realizing its goal of becoming a regional and international financial hub.

PM Pham Minh Chinh said he considered the signing "vivid" evidence of the good relationship between Vietnam and the U.S. in general, and between the two cities in particular.

He hoped that localities of the two countries would continue to establish more cooperative relationships in the near future.

New York City mayor Eric Adams said he had visited Vietnam and always remembered the people and impressions he had of the country fondly.

Agreeing with PM Chinh, the mayor affirmed that New York City values and is willing to further strengthen friendly relations and effective and practical cooperation with Vietnam.

He said New York City (NYC)would contribute more actively to the overall development of relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of innovation, environmental protection, and youth exchanges.

Currently, there are over 1,500 Vietnamese international students studying and researching at universities in New York.

He affirmed that there would be measures to support HCMC, contributing to turning Vietnam’s economic hub into a strong regional and international financial center.

The Vietnamese PM affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to promoting cooperation with NYC, the world's leading commercial and financial center, and would ensure the rights of investors and businesses of the U.S. in general, and of New York in particular, in Vietnam.

PM Chinh and his delegation began a working trip to the U.S. on September 17, visiting three cities – San Francisco, Washington and New York – to attend meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in combination with promoting bilateral activities.

He will leave for Brazil for an official visit on Saturday.