Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, who is here on an official visit, paid a courtesy call on Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew today. During the meeting, they affirmed the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and Vietnam, and welcomed the regular exchange of bilateral visits. They also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in education and human resource development, and how having good connectivity would enhance Vietnam's competitiveness.
DPM Hai was also hosted to lunch by DPM and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, where he also met with Minister for Trade & Industry Lim Hng Kiang. There was a good exchange of views on regional and international developments, in particular how the two countries can work together to seize opportunities when the global economy recovers. Both sides reaffirmed our two countries' close economic cooperation under the Singapore-Vietnam Connectivity Framework Agreement. The discussions also touched on social issues such as housing and education, and Singapore's Central Provident Fund system. DPM Hai and DPM Teo also welcomed the strengthening of our bilateral defence relations.
DPM Hai also visited the Singapore Tourism Board, Marina Barrage and Fusionopolis today where he received briefings from our economic agencies. DPM Hai will also attend a dinner hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo for the International Advisory Panel of the Asia Competitiveness Institute, of which Minister Yeo is the patron.