Ho Chi Minh City welcomes further support and cooperation from Italy in the fields of industry, science-technology, and education-training, said Le Thanh Liem, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of the southern economic hub.

He made the statement while receiving former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta on January 12.

He stressed the importance of the opening of the Italian Consulate in the city, saying that it helps connect both sides’ cultural and socio-economic cooperation activities.

The official pledged to create favourable conditions for Italian businesses to learn about and invest in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese businesses are looking forward to taking part in an Italian project which aims to boost competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises, he noted.

On his part, Enrico Letta emphasised the city’s economic development and position in Southeast Asia as well as in Asia in general, saying that southern economic hub is an important place for Italy to promote its investment in the region.

He said he will call on Italian firms to expand their business network in the locality.

During his visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Italian prime minister toured well-known historical sites and met with the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City National University to discuss bilateral cooperation in the education sector.

VNA