At the meeting, General Secretary Trong spoke highly of Guangxi’s achievements in its open-door policy over the past 30 years, affirming that Guangxi, contiguous to Viet Nam, holds a time-honoured friendship and cooperation with Vietnamese localities.

He expressed his hope that in the time to come, the two sides continue to expand exchanges, improving cooperation efficiency in all fields and building a borderline of peace, friendship and development, thus contributing to boosting the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for the two peoples’ benefits.

For his part, Peng affirmed that the regional Party Committee and authorities attach importance to developing the traditional friendship and cooperation in all areas with Viet Nam, especially in transport links and trade, and through Viet Nam, with the ASEAN.

The same day, the Chinese guest was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who stressed that Vietnam attaches importance to fostering multifaceted cooperation with China and said he hopes China continues joining hands with Viet Nam to deepen the two countries’ relations.

PM Dung highly valued the outcomes of the working sessions between Peng Qinghua and leaders of northern Lang Son and Quang Ninh provinces, saying that his visit to Viet Nam this time will contribute practically to the relationship between Guangxi and Vietnamese localities in particular, and between the two nations in general.

China is now one of Vietnam’s leading investors and trade partners. However, the two countries still have potential to expand cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment.

The Vietnamese Government leader also suggested China and Guangxi in particular increase their scholarships to give more Vietnamese students a chance to study in China, as well as work closely with Viet Nam’s border localities to control the two countries’ joint border.

Peng Qinghua said that his visit aims to accelerate cooperation between Guangxi and Vietnamese localities, particularly in economics, trade, investment, culture, education-training and tourism.

He suggested the two nations invest more in building transport routes linking their localities as well as border trade and border gate economic zones, and expressed his hope that Viet Nam will continue creating favourable conditions for Guangxi’s businesses to invest in Viet Nam.

The Guangxi leader was also welcomed by Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on the same day.

Minh said that Guangxi and Viet Nam’s localities should perfect their existing cooperation mechanisms and strengthen cooperation in a practical and effective manner in the fields they hold advantages.

In 2013, Guangxi will organise the 10th ASEAN-China Expo, Peng said, adding that he hopes this event will help boost the relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including Viet Nam.

The China-Viet Nam Comprehensive Economic and Trade Forum and the 2013 Guangxi Trade Fair were also held within the framework of Peng’s visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of FM Pham Binh Minh.