Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong and Swedish Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree

The desire was discussed at the meeting between the city leader and the Swedish princess yesterday afternoon.

According to Chairman Phong, Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City respect relationship with the partner, which was one of the first countries establishing diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1969.

In parallel, Sweden always supports Vietnam in the struggle period for independence as well as current construction and development of the country.

In 2019, the two countries are scheduling many activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment via the concert performed by Vietnamese and Swedish artists at the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City.

Economic cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Sweden has remained stable. Last year, two-way trade turnover reached US$ 170 million.

Currently, Sweden invests 32 projects in the city with a total capital of nearly US$ 300 million, ranking the 14th among 106 countries and territories investing in the city. Many famous Swedish companies and corporations have presented in the city such as H&M, IKEA, etc.

Accordingly, the Swedish princess who always supports the United Nations development programs and is very interested in the issue of clean water and sustainable development.

Regarding clean water supply, Sai Gon and Dong Nai rivers are two main water sources of the city. However, the rivers have suffered pollution risks due to salt water influx and wastes from industrial parks and residential areas while water treatment technology has been outdated.

For the treatment of plastic wastes, Ho Chi Minh City currently faces difficulties meanwhile Sweden has a lot of experience in the field of waste treatment.

Currently, the city is calling on construction investment of seven wastewater treatment plants.

As this reasons, the city leader suggested the princess to introduce Swedish companies to work with the local authorities to seek cooperation and investment opportunities.

Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree expressed her pleasure at this visit as Vietnam and Sweden celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations (1969-2019).

The largest trade delegation of Sweden accompaning the princess during the trip draws an opportunity for the two countries to expand business cooperation and foster multifaceted fields between Sweden and Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular. SGGP

Huyen Huong